1996 d'Issan

Very dark ruby. Very green Cabernet on the nose! Lots of oomph and ripe fruit even if not much subtlety – yet? Almost New World in its bumptiousness. Pretty drying tannins on the finish. (JR)

Dark crimson, sweet nose. Oddly, eerily simple Cabernet Sauvignon aromas. Blunt and straightforward but no Margaux subtlety. Raw tannins. Coarse finish. (JR)

This property continues to reassert itself, with a renewed commitment to quality. The 1996 d'Issan has turned out beautifully in bottle. It exhibits a dark ruby/purple color as well as an elegant, floral, blackberry, and smoky-scented nose. The wine is medium-bodied and complex in the mouth, with subtle new oak, gorgeously ripe, sweet black currant fruit, and well-integrated tannin and acidity. This quintessential Margaux-styled wine is elegant and rich. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2020.