2000 d'Issan, Margaux

“Delicate but clear tannic struture, textured blackberry and raspberry fruits, concentrated with touches of tobacco, saffron and espresso. This has structure and depth. The 1995 is more graceful today and I would suggest saving this for another five years time, or give it a good few hours in a carafe. 36hl/h yield (after frost in one plot largely used for the 2nd wine), 50% new oak. A wet spring with lots of rain in this vintage (in some ways similar to 2016 and 2018) but an exceptional Indian summer with harvest from September 25 to October 11.” (01/2022)

“Fully mature, the 2000 D’Issan is a quintessentially elegant, yet concentrated, aristocratic Margaux that defines the appellation. The wine has a dark ruby/purple color just beginning to lighten at the edge. Notes of charcoal, acacia flowers, black raspberries, and blue fruits are followed by a medium to full-bodied wine that builds incrementally on the palate. With its outstanding purity, richness, elegance and length, this is a beauty that has reached its window of maturity, where it should stay for another 15 or more years. (RP)” (06/2010)

“Château d’Issan produced a very good wine in the 2000 vintage, but it is still several years away from starting to blossom and drink with generosity. The deep and still quite primary nose delivers scents of cassis, tar, herb tones, cigar smoke, coffee bean and a bit of toasty new oak. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and potentially complex, with a rock solid core, firm tannins, very good focus and a long, youthfully muscular and chewy finish. Like a great many examples of the 2000 vintage in Bordeaux, this wine is completely hunkered down at the present time and is a bit sullen, but it should prove to be very good with sufficient bottle age. Just how much charm it will eventually deliver is still an open question, but that is a question that really should be asked of the vintage in general!” (03/2014)

“No tasting note published.” (12/2003)

“Very dark crimson with slowly ageing rim. Complex. Edge of tea leaves and melted tannins. Not heavy or sweet. Lifted and lovely now. Scented with marked acidity. 17.5/20 points (JR)” (05/2015)

“The 2000 Château d’Issan, which Emmanuel Cruse describes as the last of the “old style” of d’Issan, has an open bouquet with red plum, strawberry and touches of soy coming through with time. Touches of cooked meat also join the chorus line. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly rustic tannins, but quite sharp with pointed acidity. It is missing a little grip and displays a peppery, savoury, hickory-tinged finish with clove and white pepper on the aftertaste. (NM)” (03/2021)

“Pretty aromas and flavors of berries, plum and hints of fresh herbs. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a medium finish.” (03/2003)