2022, Château d’Issan, MARGAUX 3ème Grand Cru Classé

Bordeaux Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot (1%)

This 55 hectare Margaux 3rd growth is planted a majority Cabernet Sauvignon, with a good proportion of Merlot. Newly purchased plots containing old vines of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot have been added to the blend from 2020. The Cruse family brought in new investment in 2013 from M Lorenzetti who has also purchased Pedesclaux in Pauillac and Lafon Rochet in Saint Estephe. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 2% cabernet franc, 2% malbec and 1% petit verdot for 2022.

This is one hell of an Issan with blackberry, blackcurrant, and hazelnut aromas and flavors. Cherries. Cedar. Full and intense with tannins that are long and bright. Goes tight at the end, indicating greatness. 96-97 James Suckling.

The 2022 D'Issan is a lovely wine that will delight Médoc purists, wafting from the glass with aromas of sweet berries, burning embers, violets and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered, with velvety tannins and a deep core of vibrant fruit. The estate is now equipped with a battery of 20-hectoliter tanks, permitting sub-plot by sub-plot harvesting this year. 93-95 William Kelley, Wine Advocate.

The 2022 Château d'Issan has a fragrant bouquet with blackberry and blueberry fruit, crushed violet and a hint of dark chocolate. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins. This is one of the more saline wines on the Left Bank, cohesive with a touch of Japanese nori on the moderate-length finish. This will need a decade in bottle. 93-95 Neal Martin, Vinous.

Fragrant dried cumin and turmeric spices on the opening, along with floral waves of rose petals, this maintains the finesse of Issan, delivering estate signature alongside fleshy blackberry and baked damson fruits, with waves of liquorice, graphite and crushed rocks. The oldest vines are kept for the 1st wine. 95 Jane Anson.

Drinking Window: 2032 - 2052