Sociando-Mallet - Haut-Médoc 1989

Jancis Robinson

16.50 / 20

byJancis Robinsonthe9/24/2009

Deep bright crimson. Not much nose. Rather severe - certainly non of the lushness evident in many other 1989 Bordeaux. Sweet palate entry and then dusty tannins. This vintage lacks the freshness that is the usual hallmark of this property. There's a lot of disappointment compared with the vintage reputation. Drink 199-2015

Wine Spectator

90 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe5/31/1999

Slightly one-dimensional but fresh and delicious. Dark-ruby color, and a lovely fresh berry, raspberry and floral nose. Medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a medium, fruity aftertaste. Give it a bit more time.--1989 Bordeaux horizontal. Best after 2000.

Wine Advocate

90 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe2/28/1997

Once again this estate revealed its excellent quality/price ratio. As one taster so appropriately stated after learning the identity of both the 1989 and 1990 Sociando-Mallets, "I'd rather have the '89 or '90 Sociando-Mallet than the '89 Margaux or '90 Mouton in my cellar." Both wines showed surprisingly well, performing at second or third-growth levels. The 1989 reveals a youthful, unevolved purple color, followed by a sweet nose of black fruits, minerals, and vanillin. The wine is extremely young (much more so than most 1989s), with medium to full body, good tannin, and not nearly as much of the vintage's soft, evolved personality in evidence. Dense, rich, and concentrated, this wine needs another 4-5 years of cellaring; it should keep for 20+ years.

Wine Advocate

88 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe2/28/1993

Sociando-Mallet's 1989 reveals a dark ruby/purple color with an aroma of blackcurrants, licorice, minerals, and toasty new oak. There are nicely concentrated flavors, moderately high tannins, and a long finish. Typical of the property, this wine has the components and depth to last up to 20 years. Anticipated maturity: 1995-2010.

Wine Advocate

88 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/1992

Sociando-Mallet's 1989 does not compare with their spectacular 1982, 1986, or 1990, but it is still one of the best wines made at this property in the last ten years. A dark ruby/purple color with an aroma of wonderfully pure blackcurrants, licorice, minerals, and toasty new oak is followed by a wine with nicely concentrated flavors, moderately high tannins, and a long finish. Typical of the property, this wine has the requisite components and depth to last up to 20 years. As I have said many times over the last decade, there are few properties in Bordeaux making wines that will last as long as Sociando-Mallet's. In style, the 1989 represents a synthesis of the 1982 and 1986, but it is not nearly as concentrated as the 1982, nor as potentially long-lived as the 1986. Anticipated maturity: 1995-2010. Tasted four times. Consistent notes.