In Bond Fine Wine. 2016 Château Issan, Margaux, Bordeaux, France. Third Growth • Red Bordeaux in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 94/100 (NM). Drinking window: 2025–2045. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Chateau d'Issan has a history stretching back to the 12th century (records show that wine from the estate was served at the wedding of Henry Plantagenet to Eleanor of Aquitaine in 1152. A Third Growth in Margaux in the 1855 classification, Issan is also one of the Medoc’s standout estates. In 2020 they began adding Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and a tiny proportion of very old-vine Malbec (planted 1948) into the blend. They continue to invest and innovate, and following detailed soil analysis, a small plot has been planted with white grapes (Roussane, Marsanne, Viognier, Rolle). Issan offers exciting Margaux quality and pedigree at a relatively accessible price point.
James Suckling (JS) — 96–97/100 · JamesSuckling.com, 24/03/2017
This is so energetic for a young d'Issan with lots of white pepper, crushed stones and blackberries. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and great length. One of the greatest ever. Superb depth and intensity to this real Bordeaux. Wow.
Neal Martin (NM) — 94/100 · Vinous, 2020-08-01 · Drink 2025-2045
The 2016 d’Issan has a well-defined bouquet of blackberry, violets, rose petal and light undergrowth aromas, displaying fine lift and great intensity. The medium-bodied palate offers fine-grained tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Fresh and vibrant, with a very harmonious, elegant and persistent finish. Excellent. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting.
Decanter (DEC) — 95/100 · -, 20/04/2017 · Drink 2027-2050
Beautiful violet and lilac-tinted edging to the colour, a promisng sign of a vibrant, balanced wine, and it absolutely delivers on the palate. This is so fresh and uplifting, it has fruit intensity balanced with a perfumed elegance. Over 80% of the vines at Issan are at least 20 years old, and many much older, so they coped very well with the dry summer. This is a lovely classic Margaux, sculpted…