CHÂTEAU D'ISSAN

Bright medium ruby-red. Wild aromas of redcurrant, blueberry, mocha, smoke and game. Very rich and full for Margaux if a bit youthfully monolithic today following its silky entry, with black fruit flavors accompanied by medicinal chocolate and menthol elements. Has the stuffing and length to support its big, mouthdusting tannins. Offers impressive potential. Rating: 92 Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (Jul 2012)

(a 60/40 blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon; 13.9% alcohol; ITP 72; pH 3.81) Very dark ruby, with black highlights. The nose is distinctly stricter and more austere than usual for this wine, with fresh blackcurrant, violet and cedar aromas nicely lifted by a mineral note. Enters bright and fresh, with lively acids nicely framing the sweet black fruit flavors. The long, clean, vibrant finish features building tannins that are youthfully aggressive and chewy. This very attractive, classically styled Bordeaux wine eschews overripe aromas and jammy fruit flavors and is very much Margaux in style and weight. Although it will need considerable time to resolve its tannins and open fully, it should appeal to those who prefer the daintier, higher-acid style of Bordeaux Forget about it in your cellar for about 10 years, then enjoy it for another 20 after that. Rating: 89-92 Ian d'Agata, www.vinousmedia.com (May 2010)

Following the lustrous 2000 and 2005, the 2009 is another terrific effort from proprietor Emmanuel Cruse. Tiny yields of 18 hectoliters per hectare, 13.7% natural alcohol, and a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot have resulted in a wine boasting stunning minerality along with notes of flowers, blueberries, and black currants. Full-bodied with silky tannin, a tremendous opulence, and levels of density and richness never before seen at this estate, this brilliant d’Issan should age for three decades or more. Rating: 93-95 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, www.RobertParker.com (Apr 2010)

The d’Issan ’09 is quite austere compared to its neighbours, a little leafy perhaps but well-defined and harmonious, gaining intensity with aeration. The palate is well balanced, quite masculine with sous-bois and tobacco notes inflecting the black fruits, leading to a firm, almost foursquare finish that does not want to party. Moderate length. I think this will fatten out, loosen up through its élevage. Rating: 90-92 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Apr 2010)

Alcohol 13.9%, unusually high for Issan, and IPT 72 which doesn't seem extreme in the context of the vintage. The assemblage is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot, and this is 52% of the harvest. A dark and glossy hue, with a bright cherry-pink rim. The nose has a sweet dustiness to it, the fruit polished and sweet, although with a crunchy-crystalline edge. Gently honed but creamy start on the palate, maintaining this texture through the middle, with a delightful backbone of ripe and slightly spicy tannins here. Smoky fruit, very sweetly textured, there is grip underneath the fruit here. The acidity comes through on the middle although it seems on the low side at first. Very elegant, restrained, despite the fine intensity of flavour. Wonderful impressive density but with a clean, pure frame. Fine balance, long and spicy. Issan used to be a wine you could ignore; not any more. Rating: 17.5-18.5+ Chris Kissack, www.thewinedoctor.com (Apr 2010)

Dark, intense nose. Very smooth and satin-like with the tannins extremely ripe underneath. Very similar blend to Blason, 40% Merlot, same as in 2005. Fresh and ripe and easy. With a nice kick on the finish. This should last a lot longer but it’s very much in the same style. 2015-2027 Rating: 17 Jancis Robinson OBE MW - www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2010)

Dense red, rich,, plummy black fruits, wonderful middle palate showing great structure over the lissom, fleshy fruit, lovely texture and very good tannins for the future. Drink 2015-28. Rating: ****17.5 www.decanter.com (Apr 2010)