Château Sciando-Mallet 2004

Château Sciando-Mallet 2004 is a château not included in the 1855 Classification of the Medoc, and chose not to take part in the Cru Bourgeois in 1932 and the history of the property has been varied, but it is property that produces quality wines at a price that offers value. The property sits  in the commune of St.-Seurin de Cadourne, just to the north of St Estèphe, and the vineyard is densely planted  with high yields up to 80 hl/ha The varieties planted are 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, the remaining 5% are part Cabernet Franc and part Petit Verdot. Manual harvest, gentle crush and cold maceration for up to 3 weeks after a warm (33c) fermantation. Oak maturation is used, and up to 100%  oak for the top wines but 20% for the second wine and finally the wine is bottled without fining or filtration.

The wine has an elegance which only comes with good breeding and careful treatment, the aromas of black berry fruits, chocolate, cedar box and spice and the influence is continued through to the palate, here the tannins are soft, silky but supportive, the acidity offers an elegance and nerve to the wine while the alcohol supports the whole structure, the length - long and sweet black fruits and spice that adds multi level complexity. A fine wine with real pedigree - elegant, complex and generous fruit and accessible - great class!
Score : 94