Friarwood

CHATEAU SOCIANDO-MALLET GRAND CRU BOURGEOIS
The rise of this outstanding property is down to Jean Gautreau who set up the Chateau in 1969. The soil is rich in well draining gravel, so does well in most years. An iconoclast, Gautreau opposes various long held Bordeaux production traditions but with no drop in quality, with it sometimes fetching high prices, this is always balanced, complex and extremely good value.

The estate was originally bought as a holiday home who had no intention of planting vines. After a bit of persuasion from Jean Paul Gardere of Chateau Latour, and Jean Michel Cazes of Lynch Bages his intentions were changed.

2000 VIntage--93/100 Wine Advocate