Chateau Sociando Mallet Haut Medoc, 1985

Sociando Mallet was a great $12 bargain when I bought it in 1987, and it still ranks high among good value Bordeaux reds. In 1985, the blend was 60% Cabernet with about 20% Merlot plus Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc

Deep, dark color with some amber around the rim. Strong Cabernet fruit:: red and black currants, slightly earthy on the mid-palate. Acidity gives it freshnesss along the edges of the tongue and the medium long finish. May not improve from here but this 1985 has the fruit and structure to keep it going for at least another five years.