Appellations

Issan 2011

Margaux, Third Growth

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Tasting Notes

Its bigger sister, the 2011 d’Issan exhibits an attractive perfume of black cherries, earth and background loamy soil and oak notes. Although elegant, medium-bodied and well-made, it is less impressive than other vintages have been over the last 10-15 years. Drink it over the next decade.

Score: 88 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2014-2024 Date: 01 April 2014

Only 57% of the production made it into the 2011 d’Issan, which tips the scales at a lofty 13.2% natural alcohol. A blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon and 31% Merlot, it possesses a dark ruby/purple color as well as a classic Margaux perfume of sweet blueberries, black currants, spring flowers and licorice. Ripe and deep with impressive intensity, it is one of the stars of the 2011 vintage. The wine’s silky tannins, fresh acids and stunning length suggest it will drink well for 15-20 years. Kudos to proprietor Emmanuel Cruse.

Score: 91 - 93 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2012-2032 Date: 27 April 2012

Cropped between 12th and 26th September the d’Issan ’11 is a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon and 39% Merlot that was cropped at 36hl/ha. The nose is closed and minerally, tightly wound with scents of limestone and granite. The palate is medium-bodied with tensile tannin, crisp blackberry, blueberry and a touch of vanilla. It has a gentled but insistent grip, a slight saline note towards the composed finish that is focused and poised. This has good potential and continues d’Issan’s good run of form. Tasted April 2012.

Score: 90 - 92 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 30 April 2012

31% Merlot, 69% Cabernet Sauvignon. Less graphite on the nose, a little darker and riper but still fragrant and pure and fresh. Smooth and elegant and fresh, pure cassis. Quite closed and dry on the mid palate, very fine tannic structure. Nice harmony and finesse. Glides across the palate. (JH) 13.23%

Score: 17 Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2019-2030 Date: 16 April 2012

Good purity of Cabernet cassis fruit, some florality, good tannins for the future, very Margaux.

Score: 17 Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2016-2026 Date: 16 April 2012

Good focus, with a dusty frame but a good sappy core of blackberry and black cherry. Nice perfumy edge on the finish.

Score: 88 - 91 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Date: 11 April 2012