Issan 2009

Margaux, Third Growth

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Tasting Notes

A taut but fresh style, with plum skin, mesquite and mineral notes running along. There's a solid core of steeped blackberry fruit in reserve, and the perfumy finish has latent grip. Best from 2013 through 2023.

Score: 91

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Maturity: 2013-2023 31 March 2012

Tar, spice, sweet tobacco and plums on the nose. Full body, with chewy, ripe tannins and juicy fruit. Firm tannins. Medium finish. Needs a few years to come together. Slightly rustic but I like it. Try in 2018.

Score: 92

James Suckling, - Maturity: 2018+ 15 February 2012

Blackberry and mineral aromas follow through to a full body, with silky tannins and a medium finish. Subtle and attractive, but lacks a little concentration.

Score: 88 - 91

James Suckling, Wine Spectator 01 April 2010

A strong effort from proprietor Emmanuel Cruse, d’Issan’s 2009 was fashioned from minuscule yields of 18 hectoliters per hectare, and its 13.7% natural alcohol set a record at this estate. Composed of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot, it exhibits a classic Margaux fragrance of acacia flowers/violets, blueberries, cassis, licorice and camphor. Opulent and full-bodied with silky tannins as well as a rich, dense style, it will be interesting to compare the 2009 with the brilliant 2000 and 2005 over the next two to three decades.

Score: 93

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2018-2035+ 01 February 2012

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. (Tasted two times.)

Score: 93 - 95

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2010-2040 01 April 2010

Issan is always a good example of the appellation with Emmanuel Cruse making pure (and usually well-priced) wines here. Great finesse and elegance.

Score: -

Albany Vintners, - 01 April 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. (17.5 points)

Score: 17 - 18

Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2015-2028 01 April 2010

Tasted at the chateau and then at a negociant. 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. Tasted March 2010.

Score: 90 - 92

Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 31 March 2010

May 11 hail meant yield was just 35 hl/ha. We were shown a sarment with scars like machine-gun fire on one side and satin smooth on the other. 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.

Score: 17

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2015-2027 31 March 2010