2021 Ch d'Issan, Margaux

DUE OCT 2024

The deep purple-hued 2021 Château d'Issan is another terrific Margaux, which is an appellation that did well in the vintage. Black raspberries, cassis, spring flowers, and some herbal notes all emerge on the nose, and it's medium-bodied, with a charming, mid-weight style on the palate, good balance, and ripe tannins. It's going to drink nicely right out of the gate. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 2% each of Cabernet Franc and Malbec, and the rest Petit Verdot.

91-93 points Jeb Dunnuck jebdunnuck.com

Rich aromatics, fresh acidities, careful extraction showcasing black tea and saffron spice notes, balanced and elegant, building in momentum through the palate. Skilful winemaking with plenty of grip. Has austerity through the mid palate, but no dip, and the tannins elongate towards the finish, giving salinity and a moutwatering kick. You can clearly imagine this ageing well, in the slightly sombre but classic style of 2002 or 2006. 50% new oak. Second year with all five of the major black grape varieties of the Médoc, and the Malbec and Petit Verdot make their presence felt.

94 points Jane Anson janeanson.com Apr 2022

Dark and deep on the nose, seductive, that beautiful Margaux glamour and elegance - it's completely captivating with hints of violet and rose too after a few minutes. So succulent and juicy on the palate, the tannins are silky, barely present in terms of overt texture but they do give support so you get a great mouthfeel here. The definition is excellent, a real precision of fruit with richness and energy, beautiful redcurrant, raspberry, blackcurrant and black cherry flavours. It's bright and almost lightly framed, gliding across the palate giving bright fruit with some soft perfume. It grows on the palate, at first being quite light and pleasant then deepening and becoming more refined with different elements coming on show. Well extracted with the aromatics taking centre stage instead of overt power or tannic interference. A joy to drink! 2% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot complete the blend. 3.60pH. Slightly more Cabernet in the blend this year. 45% grand vin, 55% second wine.

Drinking Window 2026 - 2046

94 points Georgina Hindle decanter.com

The 2021 d’Issan is supple easygoing and quite attractive. It will be interesting to see if it develops more complexity and nuance with elevage. Today d’Issan comes across as straight forward and lacking both in depth and nuance while the aromatics are muted. Tasted two times.

90-92 points AG vinous.com

A very fine yet structured d’Issan with blackcurrant and plum, as well as spice and walnuts. The palate is full and structured with wonderful tannins and length. It really grows on the palate. Serious balance of ripe and fine tannins with pretty fruit and a citrusy undertone. This could move up a notch. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 2% cabernet franc, 2% malbec and 1% petit verdot.

95-96 points jamessuckling.com

The 2021 D'Issan is performing well, exhibiting aromas of rich berries, licorice, violets, sweet soil tones and pipe tobacco. Medium to full-bodied, layered and lively, with powdery tannins and a saline finish, it will flesh out with élevage to deliver a supple, perfumed D'Issan that will offer a broad drinking window. It's a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot..

90-93 points William Kelley robertparker.com