Its bigger sister, the 2011 d'Issan exhibits an attractive perfume of black cherries, earth and background loamy soil and oak notes. Although elegant, medium-bodied and well-made, it is less impressive than other vintages have been over the last 10-15 years. Drink it over the next decade.
This Margaux property is planted with 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot and the wine is aged in 50% new oak. A bright nose with red fruits. Cool and classicly structured, this is very Margaux in style. Fresh but well rounded.
The nose has some juicy fruits with more of a red than black fruit influence. The mid palate is sweet the ripeness of the fruit giving a fleshy richness and filling out the back. Although the tannins give support they feel ripe so that the finish has richness and depth.
Good purity of Cabernet cassis fruit, some florality, good tannins for the future, very Margaux. Drink 2016-2026.
Only 57% of the production made it into the 2011 d'Issan, which tips the scales at a lofty 13.2% natural alcohol. A blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon and 31% Merlot, it possesses a dark ruby/purple color as well as a classic Margaux perfume of sweet blueberries, black currants, spring flowers and licorice. Ripe and deep with impressive intensity, it is one of the stars of the 2011 vintage. The wine's silky tannins, fresh acids and stunning length suggest it will drink well for 15-20 years.
Kudos to proprietor Emmanuel Cruse.
Cropped between 12th and 26th September the d'Issan '11 is a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon and 39% Merlot that was cropped at 36hl/ha. The nose is closed and minerally, tightly wound with scents of limestone and granite. The palate is medium-bodied with tensile tannin, crisp blackberry, blueberry and a touch of vanilla. It has a gentled but insistent grip, a slight saline note towards the composed finish that is focused and poised. This has good potential and continues d'Issan's good run of form. Tasted April 2012.
