Castle of Issan - Margaux 2015

Vinifera

4 / 5

the5/31/2016

Très savoureux, précis, avec un tanin réglissé et une finale expressive assez longue, c’est une très jolieréussite.

The Wine Cellar Insider

93-95 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/30/2016

Deep ruby hue, displaying heady violet scents, cherry liqueur, licorice, boysenberry and earth, this wine is hedonistic with its lithe, elegant, velvety tannins. Full-bodied and sensuous with freshness and purity of fruit, this sexy delight delivers a voluptuously long finish. From a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, this wine reached 13.82% alcohol with a pH of 3.85. Aging in 50% new, French oak barrels, it represents 55% of the harvest. The harvest took place from September 21 to October 6.

Wine Advocate

93-95 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/29/2016

The 2015 Château d'Issan is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot cropped at 40 hl/ha, representing 55% of the production. Emmanuel Cruse told me how they suffered less rain on the weekend of 12 and 13 September, 32 millimeters being less than in the northern Médoc. Cropped between 21 September and 6 October, it has a very pure and sensual bouquet that takes time to open up, eventually offering black cherries and blueberry, a marine influence tucked in just behind (a common thread throughout various vintages of d'Issan). The palate is underpinned by extraordinarily fine tannin that gently caress the mouth. The 55% new oak is beautifully embroidered throughout this wine from start to finish, which displays energy, real frisson in the mouth. This may well turn out to be one of the greatest Château d'Issan made in the modern era. Tasted twice with consistent notes.

Bettane & Desseauve

18,5-19 / 20

the4/28/2016

Le plus grand issan de l’histoire contemporaine. Magnifique d’ampleur et de profondeur, tannin noble, élégance superbe avec une dimension hors norme. Une des réussites spéciales de ce millésime par l’étonnante pureté aromatique du nez, floral en diable, et par une élégance transcendante du tannin, digne d’un premier cru, du moins sur trois des quatre échantillons dégustés (dont un au château), le quatrième était un peu fatigué. Il va falloir suivre ce cru avec attention.

Vinous

93-95 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe4/27/2016

The 2015 d'Issan is a striking Margaux. Next to so many other wines of the appellation that are much more opulent, the d'Issan presents a much more feral, savory profile. Smoke, tobacco, leather, cedar, white pepper and game are some of the signatures. Deep, powerful and endowed with a real sense of explosive energy, the 2015 is bursting at the seams with personality. D'Issan is less showy and opulent than most Margauxs and yet it is also super-distinctive. The 2015 is perhaps a bit rustic and eccentric, but those are small quibbles at this level. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, aging 50% new oak. Eric Boissenot is the consultant. Tasted three times.

Decanter.com

93 / 100

bySteven Spurrierthe4/27/2016

A 65% Cabernet, 35% Merlot blend from old vines, this epitomises the charm of Margaux with lightly explosive fruit and integrated tannins to give perfect balance. 2020-2035

Jean-Marc QUARIN

17 / 20

byJean-Marc Quarinthe4/20/2016

Ma meilleure note donnée à ce cru en primeur à égalité avec le 2010.Voici un autre cru en partie installé sur l'argile à Margaux. Couleur sombre, intense et pourpre. Nez très fruité, frais, mûr et floral. Délicatement pulpeux dés l'attaque, le vin se met à fondre avec grâce et beaucoup d'éclat dans le fruit. Il avance lentement, savoureux et complexe en finale, vers une belle longueur aux tannins fins et aromatiques. Très belle construction. Assemblage : 65 % cabernet sauvignon, 35 % merlot. Degré d'alcool : 13,82 - pH : 3.85 - IPT : 72. Sélection : 55 % du volume.

Jancis Robinson

17,5 / 20

byJancis Robinsonthe4/15/2016

Only medium crimson. Only medium intensity of aroma but lots of vivacity underneath. Very 'new-fashioned', as the Joanne brothers put it. Racy and full of real charm and energy. Lots behind this. This builds towards the end in a way that good burgundy does. Chapeau!Drink 2024-2039

Wine Enthusiast

93-95 / 100

byRoger Vossthe4/15/2016

Barrel Sample. This is a serious, structured wine. It has plenty of black plum flavor, although the firm tannins will play an important part in its development. The ample acidity and fresh finish are other harbingers for the wine's good future. 94 points

René Gabriel

17 / 20

the4/10/2016

Tiefes Purpur, satt in der Mitte, Granatschimmer am Rand. Intensives, zu Beginn leicht medizinal wirkendes Bouquet, rote Pflaumenschalen, Zedernduft und dominikanischer Tabak. Im Gaumen recht fest, zeigt Tanninmuskeln. Während andere Margaux auf Charme machen, bleibt er sich selbst treu mit seinen maskulinen Anflügen. 17/20 2023 – 2048

Jamessuckling.com

94-95 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/5/2016

This is solid and muscular Issan with round and powerful tannins. Full and long. Impressively structured.

Wine Spectator

88-91 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/3/2016

Focused, with a twinge of singed alder and cedar up front giving this a slightly old-school feel, followed by a good core of steeped plum and black currant fruit. Picks up a bit of the vintage’s velvety edge on the finish, though the cedar note lingers as well.—J.M.