90 Robert Parker
The 1999 Sociando-Mallet is an unusually structured, extracted wine in this generally rather forward vintage. Offering up aromas of cassis, cherries and loamy soil, framed by a discreet patina from its élevage in barrel, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and nicely concentrated, with ripe acids and rich tannins that still assert themselves on the finish. This is one 1999 that still amply benefits from an hour in a decanter before drinking, but age is being kind to it.
90 Wine Spectator
Displays very good concentration for the vintage. Aromatic, with plum, currant and tar character, the wine is medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a medium finish. Super buy. Best after 2003. 21,665 cases made. ?JS
The 1999 Sociando-Mallet is an unusually structured, extracted wine in this generally rather forward vintage. Offering up aromas of cassis, cherries and loamy soil, framed by a discreet patina from its élevage in barrel, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and nicely concentrated, with ripe acids and rich tannins that still assert themselves on the finish. This is one 1999 that still amply benefits from an hour in a decanter before drinking, but age is being kind to it.