2016 CH D'ISSAN 3ÈME CRU MARGAUX - 6x75cl

Tasting Notes

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  Goedhuis, April 2017,
  Score: 93-95

  A wine of elegance, balance and poise. A delicious example of the harmonious, refined characteristics from the appellation of Margaux. Perfumed, scented aroma of violets and freshly picked loganberries. This wine has a lovely sweetness of fruit, with a great degree of purity and a central tannic core. Destined to age beautifully, it is really quite lovely. DR

• 

  Neal Martin, `,
  Score: 94

  The 2016 d’Issan, matured in 50% new oak and bottled at the end of May, was impressive out of barrel, and thankfully, it is the same in bottle. The very well defined bouquet features blackberry, tobacco, pressed violets and a subtle estuarine tang, almost a marshland scent of salty air. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannin, good focused and just the right amount of salinity. My feeling is that this Margaux will close up for a while, so cellar it for several years if you can. 13.34% alcohol. 2025 - 2045

• 

  Neal Martin, April 2017,
  Score: 93-95

  The 2016 D'Issan is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot cropped between 29 September and 19 October, and matured in 50% new barrels. The alcohol is 13.3% and with a pH of 3.71. It has a very classic, slightly introverted bouquet with a light marine influence coming through, but remaining very reserved, a little aloof. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin and fine delineation; it is very crisp and focused, a classic Margaux through and through with outstanding salinity and persistence towards the precise finish. This is a beautiful D'Issan for long-term ageing, on par with the 2015. Drink Date 2026 - 2060

• 

  Antonio Galloni, January 2019,
  Score: 92

  Just as it was from barrel, the 2016 d'Issan is bold and succulent. Dark cherry, iron, smoke, tobacco, leather and dried rose petal all fill out nicely in a supple, easygoing Margaux. The 2016 will benefit from another few years in bottle, although it is nevertheless quite fine, even in the early going. It will be interesting to see how much complexity the 2016 gains in bottle. Today, it is a bit simple, and yet my feeling is that the wine has something more to say. 2024 - 2041

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  Antonio Galloni, April 2017,
  Score: 89-92

  The 2016 d'Issan is bold, plump and juicy, all qualities that will make it easy to drink and appreciate young. Most of the wine's appeal is up front, as the intensity trails off slightly on the midpalate and finish. There is not a ton of complexity, at least not today, but the elements are all so well balanced that the 2016 makes a strong statement based on its sheer appeal. Dark red/purplish fruit, sweet spice and floral notes add to the wine's forward, fruit-driven personality. Tasted two times.

• 

  James Suckling, April 2017,
  Score: 96-97

  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.

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  Decanter, April 2017,
  Score: 95

  Beautiful violet and lilac-tinted edging to the colour, a promising 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 with a core of fine tannins that promise excellent ageing. 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot. Blending was finished in late January with consultant Eric Boissenot.

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  Matthew Jukes, April 2017,
  Score: 17.5+

  Quite exotic and darker than many Margaux, this is a full-bodied wine with structure and tannin and it is backward but I have no fear that all is present and correct. Good power coupled with enough fruit integrity = a wine to savour in the long term. This will work well.

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  Jancis Robinson, April 2017,
  Score: 17+

  Mid crimson. Vigorous nose. Round texture and really rather admirably relaxed. Certainly not sweet. Quite long. Drink 2025-2040

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Producer

Château d'Issan

Many collectors view this château as well worth its status... and they are not alone. For centuries, d'Issan has been a coveted treasure. According to local lore, it was served at thewedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry Plantagenet as well as a favourite of Emperor François-Joseph of Austria. Since 1945, the property has been owned by the Cruse family with Emmanuel Cruse at the château's helm.