Castle of Issan - Margaux 2016

Le Figaro - L'Avis du Vin

18 / 20

byClub Vinthe5/15/2017

Fruits rouges frais, floral, ronce. Joli jus frais et fruité, tannins fins, bouche souple. Belle réussite.

Bettane & Desseauve

95-96 / 100

by Bettane & Desseauvethe5/3/2017

Riche, coloré, très fin et racé, encore un peu serré comme la plupart des crus voisins à ce stade.

Wine Advocate

93-95 / 100

byNeal Martinthe5/2/2017

The 2016 D'Issan is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot cropped between 29 September and 19 October, and matured in 50% new barrels. The alcohol is 13.3% and with a pH of 3.71. It has a very classic, slightly introverted bouquet with a light marine influence coming through, but remaining very reserved, a little aloof. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin and fine delineation; it is very crisp and focused, a classic Margaux through and through with outstanding salinity and persistence towards the precise finish. This is a beautiful D'Issan for long-term ageing, on par with the 2015.

The Wine Cellar Insider

94-96 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/27/2017

Dark in color with strong floral aromatics that escalate with smoke, espresso, licorice, dark cherry and cassis, this wine is full-bodied, plush, opulent and richly textured with loads of sweet, pure, dark red fruits. From a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot, this wine reached 13.24% alcohol with a pH of 3.71. Now aging in 50% new, French oak barrels, it represents just 45% of the harvest, which took place from September 29 to October 19.

Vinous

89-92 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe4/26/2017

The 2016 d'Issan is bold, plump and juicy, all qualities that will make it easy to drink and appreciate young. Most of the wine's appeal is up front, as the intensity trails off slightly on the midpalate and finish. There is not a ton of complexity, at least not today, but the elements are all so well balanced that the 2016 makes a strong statement based on its sheer appeal. Dark red/purplish fruit, sweet spice and floral notes add to the wine's forward, fruit-driven personality. Tasted two times.

matthewjukes.com

17,5 / 20

byMatthew Jukesthe4/25/2017

Quite exotic and darker than many Margaux, this is a full-bodied wine with structure and tannin and it is backward but I have no fear that all is present and correct. Good power coupled with enough fruit integrity = a wine to savour in the long term. This will work well. 17.5+

Decanter.com

95 / 100

byJane Ansonthe4/24/2017

Beautiful violet and lilac-tinted edging to the colour, a promising sign of a vibrant, balanced wine, and it absolutely delivers on the palate. This is so fresh and uplifting, it has fruit intensity balanced with a perfumed elegance. Over 80% of the vines at Issan are at least 20 years old, and many much older, so they coped very well with the dry summer. This is a lovely classic Margaux, sculpted with a core of fine tannins that promise excellent ageing. 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot. Blending was finished in late January with consultant Eric Boissenot. Drinking Window 2027 - 2050

Jancis Robinson

17 / 20

byJancis Robinsonthe4/20/2017

Mid crimson. Vigorous nose. Round texture and really rather admirably relaxed. Certainly not sweet. Quite long.17+

Wine Enthusiast

94-96 / 100

byRoger Vossthe4/19/2017

Barrel Sample. This wine has an austere structure, with firm tannins. The fruit comes through slowly, revealing an attractive black-currant flavor and ample acidity. This will be a very fine wine with time; try after 2029.

Wine Spectator

88-91 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/10/2017

Light pepper and savory hints lead off in this bouncy, juicy version, with bright cassis and bitter cherry fruit forming the core. Shows a light mineral edge on the finish.—J.M.

Jamessuckling.com

96-97 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/5/2017

This is so energetic for a young d'Issan with lots of white pepper, crushed stones and blackberries. Full body, ultra-fine tannins and great length. One of the greatest ever. Superb depth and intensity to this real Bordeaux. Wow.