Le Point 16 / 20 byJacques Dupontthe5/21/2015 Fruits noirs, bouche, frais, gourmand, souple, , fin, délicat, droit.
Vinous 89-91 / 100 byAntonio Gallonithe5/11/2015 The 2014 d'Issan is an open, forward wine that should drink well pretty much upon release as it already shows quite a bit of immediacy. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather and licorice are some of the notes that meld together in the glass. The 2014 is juicy and not especially complex, but it does offer plenty of up-front appeal.
The Wine Cellar Insider 90-92 / 100 byJeff Levethe5/5/2015 A quickly detected aura of flowers, licorice, cherries and black raspberries, this wine is medium/full-bodied, elegant in style and replete with nectarous cherries and silky tannins. From a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Merlot, the wine reached 13.24% alcohol, with a pH of 3.83. 90-92 Pts
Wine Advocate 89-91 / 100 byNeal Martinthe4/30/2015 The Château d'Issan 2014 is a blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 23% Merlot picked between 25 September and 15 October and matured in 50% new oak. It has a very precise, quite minerally bouquet that has that tradamark violet touch that pins down the appéllation. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and good acidity; appreciable depth with chewy black tarry fruit towards the finish. This is a guttsier d'Issan that will probably be one of the longer lasting Margaux crus of the vintage. I've been smitten by recent vintages from this glorious Margaux estate, but I detected just a mote of greenness on a couple of samples that I hope will vanish by the time of bottling. If it does then it will merit a higher score. Tasted three times.
Jancis Robinson 17 / 20 byJancis Robinsonthe4/20/2015 Mid crimson. Correct and well balanced. Spreads right across the palate. Really very impressive balance with lots of useful elements. Good drive and interest quotient. Complex and satisfying. Quite persistent. Really very impressive even if not a very long-term wine. Drink 2018-2030
Asian Palate 92 / 100 byJeannie Cho Lee MWthe4/20/2015 Elegant, light bodied and focused with great purity and detail. The wines are keeping to the d'Issan light, traditional style yet bringing a touch of modernity by lifting the fruit and adding more precision and detail. A well-made 2014.
Decanter.com 17 / 20 bySteven Spurrierthe4/17/2015 Lovely floral fruit, elegant freshness and natural depth – a true taste of Margaux from this historic château. Drink: 2018-2028 (90)
Jamessuckling.com 92-93 / 100 byJames Sucklingthe4/10/2015 A dense and tight wine with cedar, berry, light chocolate and nut character. Full body, compacted center palate with muscular tannins.
Wine Enthusiast 94 / 100 byRoger Vossthe4/1/2015 93–95. Barrel Sample. This is a serious wine, with dense tannins and concentrated structure. It has strong wood and smoky bacon notes that need to harmonize with the dark plum flavor and ample acidity. — R.V. (3/31/2015)
Wine Spectator 86-89 / 100 byJames Molesworththe3/31/2015 Elegant, with lacy yet persistent tannins carrying pretty plum, anise and savory hints. Lacks some stuffing on the finish.