This is a very pure expression of cabernet sauvignon with blackcurrants, blackberries and tar. Wet earth, too. It’s full-bodied, yet very tight and reserved. Extremely racy, intense finish. This is super precise. Classical.
James Suckling (May 2001)Score: 96-97/100
Savoury, earthy, mineral tones, florality too, clove spice gives lift. Rich, ripe plummy glycerol-rich fruit but there is Cabernet freshness too. The tannins are intricate, long and provide lovely direction in the wine. Dense whilst not being heavy. Warming finish but balanced and tannins fully resolved and sandy. Excellent
FINE+RARE Tasting Note (June 2001)
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 D'Issan soars out of the glass with expressive scents of baked red currants, warm cassis and black cherry compote with hints of powdered cinnamon, potpourri, Provence herbs and aniseed plus a waft of fallen leaves. The medium-bodied palate is elegantly played with bags of fresh, vibrant black and red berry flavors and a firm line of ripe, grainy tannins, finishing with an invigorating lift.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate (January 44000)Score: 94-96/100
Gentle aromas of flowers, wet earth, tobacco, espresso and red fruits permeate the nose. Elegant and refined in character, the wine falls gently over your palate with warm tones of ripe, sweet, fresh plums, blackberries, spice and freshness, so you discover lift, energy, length and purity. This will age and evolve for at least 2-3 decades.
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider (January 43990)Score: 94-96/100
A concentrated but graceful feel to this Issan, showcasing why it is one of the powerhouses of Margaux without necessarily flexing its muscles the most obviously. Takes a few moments to unroll on the palate but as it does it expands both forward and outwards, beautifully filling the mid palate with creamy brambly fruits and firm but flexible tannins. This inches open, suggesting it has an extremely long life ahead of it, and is close to the 2016 in expression, although not quite with the depth of expression of that exemplary vintage. 50% new oak, 3.7pH. 45% of overall production went into the 1st wine. Harvest from 25th September to 11th October.
Decanter (January 43971)Score: 96/100Drink 2029-2045
Bordeaux / France
2029-2045