Issan - Margaux 2020

Le Figaro

95-96 / 100

the6/2/2021

Un bouquet de fruits d'été, qui en remontant vos narines vous donne le sentiment d'être allongé sur une couverture, au milieu d'un champ d'herbes folles, caressé par la douce chaleur d'un soleil de printemps. En bouche, un vin sublime, ciselé, gourmand, avec un croquant qui met l'eau à la bouche, et des tannins nerveux à souhait, qui laissent en mémoire une finale légèrement crayeuse.

Vinous

93-95 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe6/1/2021

The 2020 d'Issan is the first vintage that incorporates Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec to complement the traditional Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the blend. Pretty floral and savory accents complement a core of ripe red/purplish berry fruit. Medium in body and vibrant, with superb persistence, Issan is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine. The purity of the flavors is striking. Harvest took place over three weeks between September 17 through October 2, which is only about a week earlier than normal, so not that displaced relative to what was the norm in much of Bordeaux. Tasted three times.

Tastingbook.com

96 / 100

byMarkus Del Monegothe5/28/2021

Very deep purple colour with violet hue and black core. Complex nose respecting the classic style of this wine however adding some exciting new aspects. Ripe blackcurrants and blackberries, elderberries, hints of flowery components, dark chocolate and discreet gingerbread spices. Still a bit closed the nose needs some time to fully expand its potential. On the palate very powerful yet elegant with a juicy start , ripe berries, well structured, firm yet ripe tannins, complex finish with fresheness. A wine with exciting tension on the palate and very promising potential.

Jeb DUNNUCK

93-95 / 100

byJeb Dunnuckthe5/28/2021

More backward, dense, and concentrated, the Grand Vin 2020 Château D'Issan offers darker currant and cassis notes as well as gorgeous floral, sandalwood, graphite, and chocolate nuances. Medium to full-bodied, voluptuous, and layered on the palate, with sweet yet building tannins, this is a gorgeous Margaux that brings ample depth and richness while still showing the classic elegance of the appellation. The blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec, raised in 50% new oak, and it’s a selection of only 45% of the total production. It's going to have some up-front appeal and a broad, lengthy drink window over the following 2-3 decades. Tasted twice

Vinous

93-95 / 100

byNeal Martinthe5/27/2021

The 2020 Château d’Issan, picked from September 17 to October 2 and blended in early January, then matured in 50% new oak, has a beautiful and very pure bouquet of blackberry, blueberry and light cranberry notes intertwined with crushed stone and subtle potpourri and violet scents, all wonderfully focused and exquisitely defined. The palate is medium-bodied with gentle but insistent grip on the entry. The tannins are very chiseled and the acidity lends plenty of tension that is palpable from start to finish. This is a sophisticated Margaux in the making, full of breeding and class.

Decanter.com

96 / 100

byJane Ansonthe5/25/2021

This is a sinewy, powerful and forward-moving wine with a sense of momentum. Moreish, with the elegance and plump damson fruits that Issan delivers so well, but more muscular than some years with the impact of both Petit Verdot and Malbec that are in the blend for the first time in this vintage. These add layers of spice and the overall architecture is clear. Peony and violet notes add a kick upwards on the finish, this has a delicacy even though it is intense. Less Cabernet in the blend in 2020 than in 2019, as is often the case in the Médoc due to low yields. This new blend in Issan will be seen going forward after the addition of plots from the purchase of Château Pontac-Lynch.

The Wine Cellar Insider

94-96 / 100

byJeff Levethe5/21/2021

The first vintage to include 5 Bordeaux varietals in the blend starts out with violets, wet earth, spice, cherries, espresso and currants on the nose. From there the wine is fresh, energetic, elegant and complex. Full-bodied, silky, long and intense, with the essence of minerality paired with spice and fruit in the finish. This will age and evolve for at least 2-3 decades. Produced from a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. 94-96

Wine Advocate

93-95 / 100

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe5/20/2021

The 2020 D'Issan is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 1% Malbec, aging in French oak barriques, 50% new. It has an alcohol of 13.29%, a pH of 3.71 and an IPT (tannin index) of 73. Displaying an opaque purple-black color, it has vibrant notes of Bing cherries, boysenberries, ripe redcurrants and juicy black plums, plus hints of pencil shavings, wild thyme, lavender and forest floor. The medium-bodied palate has impressive energy with crunchy red and black fruits and compelling tension, framed by fine-grained tannins, finishing long and mineral laced.

Anthocyanes

93-95 / 100

byYohan Castaingthe5/11/2021

Frais et très fruits noirs avec des notes de fleurs, de cassis, de mure et d'épices nobles. Bouche juteuse, des tanins structurants avec une allonge remarquable. Le milieu de bouche est moyennement charnu mais frais.

My Bettane + Desseauve

94-95 / 100

by Bettane & Desseauvethe5/7/2021

L’apport de nouvelles vignes, juste à l’extérieur du mur du clos se manifeste par un corps plus généreux qu’en 2019, un caractère plus décidé, mais jouant toujours sur une finesse florale d’une parfaite typicité margalaise. Bravo.

Jamessuckling.com

97-98 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe5/4/2021

Extremely floral and fruity with currants and blackberries. It’s full-bodied and very layered with delicious, dense character. Full-bodied with dusty, layered tannins. Rich, but not heavy. Long and chewy on the finish. 55% cabernet sauvignon, 39% merlot, 3% cabernet franc, 2% petit verdot and 1% malbec.