2016 d'Issan, Margaux (375ml)

“Tight and closed but clearly going to power out of the gate in five or six years. Shows depth and persistency, with precision and balance to the fruit flavours, feels like every base is covered, laced through with liquorice, cinnamon and black chocolate, and although there is power it has a light touch. A delicious wine, long life ahead, note it down for the future.” (12/2019)

“The assemblage in this vintage is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot, and the grand vin took 45% of the harvest. The élevage was in 50% new oak barrels. I find a rather exciting nose here, filled with the scents of grilled blackcurrants, black olive and black beans, with twists of tobacco, toast and praline coming from the oak barrels. The palate is full, with a medium- to full-bodied presence, carrying attractive and elegantly grained spicy black fruits, perfumed with rose petals, black bean and dried black olives. This is all underpinned by a sinewy texture and a filigree elegance, as well as a strong seam of ripe, sinewy and tightly grained tannins. A very fresh style, confident and poised, with a lovely grip from the finessed tannins, a great balance and vivacity, and an engaging length. This is a real success for this château.” (12/2018)

“The brightness and precision already comes through on the nose with floral, blackcurrant character. Full-bodied and very tight and creamy with polished tannins that last for minutes. Warm and intense. Needs four to five years to show all it has, yet already a beauty.” (02/2019)

“The 2016 d'Issan is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot. Deep garnet colored with a touch of purple, it roars out with powerful scents of creme de cassis, blackberry pie, and stewed plums with hints of mocha, violets, and licorice. The medium-bodied palate delivers a solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and seamless acidity to support the taut, muscular black fruit, finishing on a lingering aniseed note. (LPB)” (02/2022)

“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... (RV)” (04/2017)

“Tasted over two days, and although the attack is supple, with fruit and light notes of espresso, the palate is somewhat low key in its expression of red and black fruit with overtones of spice. One notices high toned acidity, and I suspect that the wine has entered a youthful, 'closed-in' phase. What cannot be denied: fine grained tannin and impressive length on a finish marked by freshness and tonicity. Don't touch before 2025 at least, however. (PK)” (04/2022)

“I loved the 2016 Château d'Issan and this is a certainly a wine to seek out. Made from a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot from yields of 55 hectoliters per hectare, aged 18 months in 50% new oak, it has a beautiful perfume of blue fruits (cassis, blueberries, etc.) as well as hints of graphite, subtle oak, and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, with integrated acidity, a terrific mid-palate, and perfect balance, it needs 4-5 years of bottle age and is going to cruise in good cellars for 20-25 years or more. It’s a beautiful, elegant, seamless wine that’s very much in the style of the vintage. (JD) 94+” (02/2019)

“The 2016 d’Issan has a well-defined bouquet of blackberry, violets, rose petal and light undergrowth aromas, displaying fine lift and great intensity. The medium-bodied palate offers fine-grained tannins and a fine bead of acidity. Fresh and vibrant, with a very harmonious, elegant and persistent finish. Excellent. (NM)” (01/2020)