2019 Château d'Issan, Cru Classé Margaux

2019 Château d'Issan, Cru Classé Margaux

This is one of the oldest estates in the Médoc, and in 2019 it’s produced a superlative Margaux. Plush on the palate, with plenty of silky tannins, and a very fine thread of acidity, it a model of balance from Emmanuel Cruse.

Critic score
95.5/100 info

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Wine details

  • Region & country
    Margaux, Médoc, Bordeaux, France
  • Grape
    70% Cabernet Sauvignon
    30% Merlot
  • Maturity
    Young 2027 - 2045info
  • Colour
    Red
  • Sweetness
    Dry
  • Style
    Still
  • Unit Volume
    Bottle (75cl.)
  • ABV
    14%

Tasting notes

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, jamessuckling.com (June 2020)
96—97/100

The 2019 d'Issan has an intense bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, pencil lead and wilted iris scents that unfold gradually from the glass. The oak seems nicely integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with juicy ripe tannins that provide quite a firm backbone. Mainly black fruit with hints of white pepper, sage and graphite, this is a tightly-wound d'Issan with impressive persistence on the classic pencil lead finish. Maybe a bit old school? There's nothing wrong with that if it is well crafted, like this. Tasted twice, one bottle showing a little more cohesion than the first.

Neal Martin, vinous.com (June 2020)
(93—95)/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.

Jane Anson, Decanter (June 2020)
96/100

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