Château d'Issan - Margaux 2003

Jamessuckling.com

93 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe10/20/2014

A beautifully red with blackberry, flower, and chocolate, as well as forest floor, mushroom, cherry and hints of coffee. Full body with velvety tannins and a flavourful finish. Better to drink now.

Le Point

15 / 20

byJacques Dupontthe9/2/2010

... Issan est en constant progrès, même si ce millésime 2003 nous semble un peu moins réussi que l'excellent 2002, d'une rare pureté. 69% cabernet-sauvignon, 31% merlot. Epicé, note grillée, gelée de groseille, bouche tendre, souple, tannins gras et veloutés, des notes chocolatées. Un vin gourmand, assez tendre, au fruité épanoui. A boire dès 2007, potentiel minimum de garde : 15 ans.

Wine Advocate

90 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/24/2006

This beautiful, elegant 2003 is a top-notch success for Margaux. More accessible and softer than usual, it boasts a deep ruby/purple color as well as a beautiful bouquet of flowers, black currants, plums, and underbrush. Medium-bodied, velvety-textured, opulent, and complex, it can be consumed now and over the next 10-15 years.

Wine Spectator

89 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe3/31/2006

Strawberry and raspberry jam aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate, with velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. Balanced and refined. Best after 2009. 7,830 cases made.

Wine Advocate

90-92 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/29/2005

Deep ruby/purple in color with an elegant, focused bouquet of floral notes intermixed with blueberry, black currants, and some earth and spice, this wine reveals elegance, ripeness, good freshness, and a medium-bodied, attractive finish with low acidity, supple tannins, outstanding depth, and overall balance. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2017.

Vinum

16 / 20

byRolf Bichselthe6/30/2004

Extraordinairement compact, comme à son habitude, avec une pointe de tannins durs. L'élevage est particulièrement important dans ce cas. Il ne doit en aucun cas apporter plus de dureté, mais au contraire polir le vin. Les 16,5 points sont à sa portée. 2009 à 2018.

Decanter Magazine

3 / 5

bySteven Spurrierthe4/30/2004

Lovely, ripe, smooth cabernet-merlot fruit, soft and seductive, floral and charming, attractive. 2008-2016

Wine Advocate

88-90 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/29/2004

A very good effort from proprietor Emmanuel Cruse, d’Issan’s 2003 exhibits this chateau’s classic, elegant style along with attractive aromas of black currants, earth, spice, and smoky new oak. Medium-bodied, pure, and nicely put together, with low acidity, but a forward, stylish personality, its breed comes through despite its approachable style. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2015.