1997 Sociando Mallet Cuvee Jean Gautreau

The 1997 Cuvée Jean Gautreau is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc picked between September 15 and October 1. It has a high-toned bouquet with a bit of volatile acidity, although there is some decent black cherry and cassis fruit once you get beyond that. The palate is medium-bodied with sweet tannin, lush red cherry and strawberry fruit and a short, curt finish. Not bad at all – and this year, better than the regular Sociando-Mallet. Tasted at the vertical tasting at Sociando-Mallet.