【The winery's top-tier cuvee】
【Only produced in "particularly suitable vintages"】
【Represents the winery's highest regard for that vintage】
【Extremely limited quantity, rarely seen on the market】
【Sociando's "hidden top-tier Boss edition"】
【Wine Advocate 92 pts】
【Vinous 89 pts】
ZF574 - Jean Gautreau 2012
Price:$540/Bottle
Type:Red Wine
Grape Varieties:55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc
Region:Haut-Medoc
ABV:13%
Volume:750ml
Winery
Jean Gautreau is not an independent winery, but belongs to Chateau Sociando-Mallet—a highly regarded "hidden gem" estate in the Haut-Médoc region. The winery is located in St.-Seurin-de-Cadourne, not far north of Bordeaux.
The Legendary Story of Jean Gautreau
The winery's current glory is entirely thanks to Jean Gautreau, a legendary figure in the Bordeaux wine world. In 1969, Jean Gautreau, then a wine merchant, stumbled upon this dilapidated vineyard while searching for acquisition targets for his clients. Although his clients abandoned the acquisition plan, he was deeply attracted by the potential of this terroir and resolutely decided to buy it himself.
When he took over, the vineyard consisted of only 5 hectares, and the buildings were in a state of disrepair. Jean Gautreau devoted his life to expanding it to its current 83 hectares and significantly increased the proportion of Merlot planted, transforming the winery into a recognized top-tier establishment in the Haut-Médoc. Renowned wine critic Robert Parker once praised Sociando-Mallet, saying, "Sociando-Mallet uncompromisingly produces wines of extremely high quality…easily comparable to many classified growths."
Region
Sociando Mallet is also a prime example of terroir-focused Bordeaux. Besides its high-quality soil, it is one of the few wineries that never removes leaves or performs a green harvest. They believe that excess leaves aid photosynthesis and provide shade for the grapes. They also believe that yield should be determined naturally. Not harvesting excess grapes to concentrate the remaining grapes is a true expression of Bordeaux terroir. Some enthusiasts even believe this is the reason for Sociando Mallet's unique flavor.