| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Margaux |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This 55 hectare Margaux property is planted a majority Cabernet Sauvignon, with a good proportion of Merlot. Newly purchased plots containing old vines of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot have been added to the blend from 2020. The Cruse family brought in new investment in 2013 from M Lorenzetti who has also purchased Pedesclaux in Pauillac and Lafon Rochet in Saint Estephe. Recent vintages have performed very well in blind tastings at Southwold.
The 2024 D'Issan wafts from the glass with attractive aromas of cassis, burning embers, pipe tobacco and violets. Medium-bodied, pillowy and lively, with a sweet core of fruit framed by powdery tannins, it's an elegant, fine-boned Margaux that will offer a broad drinking window.
The 2024 Château d’Issan is a classic blend picked between September 26 and October 8, matured in 50% new oak. This has a quintessential Margaux nose with crushed violet permeating the black fruit, fine delineation, focus and satisfying vigor. The palate is medium-bodied with a surprisingly sweet entry and decent grip. Blueberry infuses the mid-palate and a dash of white pepper and a little graphite emerge toward the finish. This d'Issan probably has the legs to mature in bottle for up to 20 years, though its lack of substance means that I would be more inclined to drink this in its flush of youth. Drink: 2029-2055
Mid ruby colour. The nose is a little shy here, but there is a subtle red fruit tone underneath some wood spice. Mid-weight on the palate with quite firm, chalky tannins and a sharp note of acidity. The fruit core is again shy, subsumed by the tannin and acid but showing blackcurrant leaf and red cherry. The finish focuses on these structural elements, together with sweet wood spice and that same fruit lined with tones of sage and mint.
Deep garnet-purple colored. Leaps with bold notes of black and red cherries and cassis, giving way to hints of iris, tapenade, and mint tea. The light-bodied palate is delicately styled with compelling freshness and silky tannins, finishing on a lingering red berry note.
Certified organic. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot. Aging in French oak barriques, 50% new. pH is 3.58 and IPT 62.
TASTED BY JANE ANSON - 8 APRIL 2025
Château d'Issan Margaux 2024
Lovely deep rich if savoury and precisely-carved rube red fruits on the opening. This is a serious Issan, well structured with waves of crushed roses, rose buds, crayon and saffron. Slim and savoury with enjoyable finesse. Harvest 26 September to 8 October. 3.58 pH. 50% new oak. Éric Pellon technical director, Eric Boissenot consultant.
The 2024 d'Issan is pretty closed in on itself. Issan is usually a showier wine at this stage, but the 2024 is decidedly virile, almost somber in feel. Floral, spice and earthy notes open with some coaxing, and yet the Grand Vin is only showing a fraction of what it has to offer. I do admire its strong character, however. The 2024 will be a fascinating Issan to follow. 2034 - 2054
This vintage shows lovely minerality and excellent red currants, red cherries and stones. Such vibrancy, youthfulness and energy. Not a wine of immense depth, but I like the chalky tannins that provide vibration and length. Mostly cabernet sauvignon with merlot, malbec and petit verdot.
