The second wine of Château d’Issan is dominated by Merlot, at 60% of the blend, with 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine took 55% of the harvest, all sourced from the Issan clos, the blend based basically on the fruit of young vines. The élevage was in 35% new oak, where the wine rested for approximately 14 to 16 months. It has a wonderfully bright colour, and aromatically it shows a very pure and correct style, fresh and bright, with scents of red cherry stone, licorice and tobacco leaf. The palate shows a really elegant poise, fresh and bright, with lightly creamed strawberry and red cherry flavours, as well as some tobacco and toast elements. Lightly peppery, quite charming, fresh and pure, this is a good second wine, which will give attractive short-term drinking.

Subtle dark cherry and prune aromas, opening slowly to reveal great complexity. Elegant yet robust, with bright acidity and a mineral finish, hints of rocky texture and hazelnut. (Panel Tasting)

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Blason d'Issan features cassis, plums and earth on the nose with an undercurrent of bay leaves and tobacco. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm and grainy with good concentration and length. (LPB)