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Issan 2005

RegionBordeaux
Subregion France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Margaux
ColourRed
TypeStill
Grape VarietyCabernet Sauvignon/Merlot

View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Château d'Issan

Label

Tasting Notes

The more serious grand vin twin, the 2005 d’Issan, has a stunning nose of spring flowers, blackcurrant and blue/black fruits galore, and an impressively opaque dark plum/purple color. With a rich, concentrated and pure mouthfeel, wonderfully sweet tannin, full-bodied density and richness, but elegance in abundance, this is a stunner, and one of the great Margaux of the vintage. Drink it now and over the next 20 years. Drink 2015-2035.

96
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (219), June 2015
92
James Suckling, WineSpectator.com, February 2008

A classic Issan, that slowly steals up on you and doesn't let go. Feels very much full of signature appellation character - balanced and effortless, melted tannins and a touch of violet aromatics. Not going anywhere soon, but this is ready to be enjoyed. A yield of 42hl/ha. Beautiful stuff from owner Emmanuel Cruse.

97
Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com, July 2021

Tasted blind. Spicy, liquorice nose with some real interest. Thick and dense. Trying very hard! Lots of yeast-extract flavour. Far from transparent… Going for size. A bit ungainly.
Drink 2018-2030

17
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, March 2017

Good ruby-red. Currant and game on the slightly jammy nose. Sweet, rich and suave, with good intensity to the game, jammy fruit and nutty oak flavors. In a soft style, finishing with substantial ripe tannins.

89
Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, June 2008

Full, floral very seductive Margaux nose, lovely extraction of fragrant, lissom fruit. Drink 2009-20.

17
Steven Spurrier, Decanter.com, April 2006

Coffee front, tight, elegant, perfumed. Fresh finesse, transparent, beautiful violets. Long finish. Drink from 2013. Awarded 5 stars.

18.5+
Decanter.com, Decanter.com, July 2008

Came 63rd out of 184 wines

16.13
-, Southwold Bordeaux Tasting, January 2009
Read more tasting notes...

Along with the 2000, the 2005 is one of the two greatest d'Issans I have ever tasted. Kudos to proprietor Emmanuel Cruse for creating this beauty. Its dense purple hue is accompanied by aromas of camphor, forest floor, blackberries, cassis, and a hint of spring flowers. Full-bodied with superb richness, purity, texture, and abundant, sweet tannin, it should hit its stride in 3-4 years, and last for 25+. Bravo!

95
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (176), April 2008

While some octogenarians may argue that 1900 is better, this is the finest d’Issan I have ever tasted. The 2005 boasts a deep plum/ruby color as well as a beautiful projected bouquet of flowers, licorice, sweet currants, plums, cherries, and smoke. There is lovely purity in the mouth as well as an etched, precise character, stunning concentration, decent acidity, and an impressive finish that lasts nearly 45 seconds. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2025+.

92/94
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (164), April 2006

Full and silky, with lots of berry, chocolate and spice character. Wonderful texture to this wine. Best ever from here? Like cashmere. Almost 92-94. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.

89/91
James Suckling, WineSpectator.com, April 2006

Very dark blackish crimson. Lively nose even if not very intense. Sweet and round and fleshy. Bergamot and lots of sumptuous fruit. Built to last. Quite delicate and Margaux-like. Lots of dry not drying tannins. And some zest. Hooray!

17.5
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, February 2009

Dark crimson. Very energetic, aromatic nose. Full-blown and opulent and very 2005. Lots of tannin, but ripe tannin. Very bright fruit. Good example of the vintage and it also expresses Margaux. Good structure. Hits the palate throughout the tasting experience. Drink 2014-22

17.5
Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, April 2006
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.