2021 Issan 6 Pack

95 POINTS

James Suckling

A very fine yet structured d’Issan with blackcurrant and plum, as well as spice and walnuts. The palate is full and structured with wonderful tannins and length. It really grows on the palate. Serious balance of ripe and fine tannins with pretty fruit and a citrusy undertone. This could move up a notch. 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 2% cabernet franc, 2% malbec and 1% petit verdot. Points: 95-96

93 POINTS

Georgina Hindle - Decanter

Dark and deep on the nose, seductive, that beautiful Margaux glamour and elegance - it's completely captivating with hints of violet and rose too after a few minutes. So succulent and juicy on the palate, the tannins are silky, barely present in terms of overt texture but they do give support so you get a great mouthfeel here. The definition is excellent, a real precision of fruit with richness and energy, these beautiful redcurrant, raspberry, blackcurrant and black cherry flavours. It's bright and almost lightly framed, gliding across the palate giving bright fruit with some soft perfume. It grows on the palate, at first being quite light and pleasant then deeping and becoming more refined with different elements coming on show. Well extracted with the aromatics taking centre stage instead of overt power or tannic interference. A joy to drink! 2% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot complete the blend. 3.60pH. Slightly more Cabernet in the blend this year. 45% grand vin, 55% second wine.

92 POINTS

Peter Moser - Falstaff

Deep ruby, purple reflections on the narrow rim. Inviting nuances of cassis and cherries, a hint of tangerine zest. Complex, juicy red berry fruit, textural, fine, ripe tannins, mineral and fresh; a lively food companion, good development and ageing potential.

92 POINTS

Peter Moser - Falstaff

Deep ruby garnet colour with purple reflections, subtle ochre reflections on the rim. Nuances of cassis and red cherries, subtle hints of nougat and tobacco, fine savoury notes. Medium body, subtle sweetness, some chocolate notes, fresh structure, mineral aftertaste, has some length and good ageing potential.

91 POINTS

Neal Martin - Vinous

According to Emmanuel Cruse, the 2021 d'Issan is the second vintage to utilize all five permitted grape varieties, picked from September 27 to October 9 and matured in 50% new oak. Quite intense on the nose, it offers layers of raspberry, wild strawberry, iodine and incense aromas. The palate is structured on the entry with a judicious touch of white pepper and clove, building nicely without fully letting go. Linear and detailed on the finish, this is a fine Margaux that should give 20 years of drinking pleasure.

91 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

The 2021 d'Issan is supple, easygoing and quite attractive. It will be interesting to see if it develops more complexity and nuance with élevage. Today, Issan comes across as straightforward and lacking both in depth and nuance, while the aromatics are muted. Tasted two times.