Lovely mature smell when decanting - proper claret.
Still completely opaque in the centre with a nice rich golden tinge around the rim. Full and smooth in the mouth with good acidity to balance out the tannins. The fruit is struggling a bit on the palate but I suspect it is because the wine could do with more time rather than being over the hill.
A decent finish which soon becomes very dry on the teeth and lips.
Overall - lovely stuff that probably could do with more time.
This bottle was bought as an experiment to help me decide whether or not to add Sociando-Mallet vintages to my cellar. I feel encouraged to do so.
1996 Chateau Sociando-Mallet
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Anything but Port, this includes all non-Port fortified wines even if they call themselves Port. There is a search facility for this part of the forum.
Anything but Port, this includes all non-Port fortified wines even if they call themselves Port. There is a search facility for this part of the forum.
1996 Chateau Sociando-Mallet
"The first duty of Port is to be red"
Ernest H. Cockburn
Ernest H. Cockburn
Re: 1996 Chateau Sociando-Mallet
Hmm, I would not consider 1996 now as mature; at least for my taste. Especially left bank there are some brilliant wines. The Sociando Mallet 1996 was right after any En primeur tastings a true favourite from myself. Great wine! Even better is Cos d'Estournel and still affordable.
regards
WS1
regards
WS1
"Sometimes too much to drink is barely enough"
Mark Twain
Mark Twain