A discussion of Sociando Mallet by Robert and others motivated me to open this bottle.
1985 Chateau Sociando-Mallet
Really crappy cork with ullage at base of neck, deeper red color, dark cherry and currant with classic cedar and tobacco notes, a little olive comes out as it opens, along with aromas of damp earth and leaves, bright acidity keeps it focused. This is a solid and enjoyable bottle of mature Bordeaux that’s probably reaching the end of its run.
The bottle still has its original price tag of $12.95. I believe this was not a particularly good price at the time. Sounds cheap, but if you factor in inflation, I think a current vintage is not much pricier.
-Al