Cassis, black cherries, smoky tobacco, graphite, and a chalky minerality all shine from the 2025 Château D'Issan, a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, and 2% Petit Verdot that's being raised in 50% new barriques with the balance in once-used barrels. Reminding me slightly of the 2016 with its balance and elegance, it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a pure, graceful mouthfeel, fine tannins, and outstanding length. It builds beautifully with time in the glass, and checking in at 13.73% alcohol with a pH of 3.63, this is going to be an incredibly satisfying, classic, complex Margaux that exudes class and elegance.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2025 d'Issan marches out with intense notes of black and red currants and wild blueberries, followed by suggestions of rose bud tea and tilled soil with a touch of graphite. The medium-bodied palate is lively and tightly wound with energetic black and red fruit and firm, grainy tannins, finishing with great persistence. The blend is 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. The alcohol is 13.73%. (LPB)

Violets and iris notes on the nose. Supple and succulent with a drop of sweet strawberries balanced against quite fresh blackcurrants, liquorice and cola. I love the texture – streamlined, focused, detailed, so smooth and sophisticated. Maybe a more dark profile than recent vintages but feels so well constructed with a firm frame and cool drive from start to finish. It has layers, this isn’t lacking in any power or muscle but it doesn’t have any heaviness or chew and in that respect it gives a lot of wine without much weight at all. Grippy, fun, interesting, captivating and so easy to drink. Potential upscore in bottle. 2% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc complete the blend. 3.63pH. A yield of 29hl/ha. (GH)