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Goedhuis, June 2020, Score: 93-95
A really complete Ch d’Issan representing the very best of the two classic grape varieties: the Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) gives brightness and energy with its refreshing lively cassis flavours while the sweetly generous Merlot (30%) provides a creamy, plum fruit character. Very energetic in style with some crisp tannic composure. A hugely classical style which will be so rewarding for lovers of traditional red Bordeaux.
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Neal Martin, June 2020, Score: 93-95
The 2019 d'Issan has an intense bouquet with blackberry, raspberry, pencil lead and wilted iris scents that unfold gradually from the glass. The oak seems nicely integrated here. The palate is medium-bodied with juicy ripe tannins that provide quite a firm backbone. Mainly black fruit with hints of white pepper, sage and graphite, this is a tightly-wound d'Issan with impressive persistence on the classic pencil lead finish. Maybe a bit old school? There's nothing wrong with that if it is well crafted, like this. Tasted twice, one bottle showing a little more cohesion than the first. Drink 2025 - 2055
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Antonio Galloni, June 2020, Score: 92-94
A gorgeous, inviting Margaux, the 2019 d'Issan is ample and resonant in feel, with striking depth and tons of character. Inly blue/purplish fruit, mint, lavender and spice are beautifully woven together. Deceptive at first, the 2019 fleshes out nicely as it gains intensity through to the persistent, taut finish. There is so much to like about this very fine d'Issan. Tasted two times.
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Wine Advocate, June 2020, Score: 94-96+
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 D'Issan soars out of the glass with expressive scents of baked red currants, warm cassis and black cherry compote with hints of powdered cinnamon, potpourri, Provence herbs and aniseed plus a waft of fallen leaves. The medium-bodied palate is elegantly played with bags of fresh, vibrant black and red berry flavors and a firm line of ripe, grainy tannins, finishing with an invigorating lift.
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James Suckling, May 2020, Score: 96-97
This is a very pure expression of cabernet sauvignon with blackcurrants, blackberries and tar. Wet earth, too. It’s full-bodied, yet very tight and reserved. Extremely racy, intense finish. This is super precise. Classical.
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Decanter, June 2020, Score: 96
A concentrated but graceful feel to this Issan, showcasing why it is one of the powerhouses of Margaux without necessarily flexing its muscles the most obviously. Takes a few moments to unroll on the palate but as it does it expands both forward and outwards, beautifully filling the mid palate with creamy brambly fruits and firm but flexible tannins. This inches open, suggesting it has an extremely long life ahead of it, and is close to the 2016 in expression, although not quite with the depth of expression of that exemplary vintage. 50% new oak, 3.7pH. 45% of overall production went into the 1st wine. Harvest from 25th September to 11th October. Drinking Window 2029 - 2045
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Wine Cellar Insider, June 2020, Score: 94-96
Gentle aromas of flowers, wet earth, tobacco, espresso and red fruits permeate the nose. Elegant and refined in character, the wine falls gently over your palate with warm tones of ripe, sweet, fresh plums, blackberries, spice and freshness, so you discover lift, energy, length and purity. This will age and evolve for at least 2-3 decades. The wine was produced from a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. The Grand Vin was produced from only 47% of the harvest.
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Antonio Galloni, January 2022, Score: 95
The 2019 d'Issan is a beautifully complex wine. The aromatics alone are beguiling, but that is just the beginning. Readers will find a powerful, layered Issan that is going to need at least a few years to start shedding some of its formidable tannin. Hints of dried rose petal, mint, blood orange, spice and star anise give the 2019 its gorgeous, beautifully lifted personality. Give this a few years, and watch what happens. 2029-2049
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Neal Martin, January 2023, Score: 94
The 2019 Château d'Issan has a glorious Margaux bouquet with pressed violets fusing with the black fruit and crushed stone scents. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, fine delineation, taut and fresh, a pinch of black pepper towards the structured and detailed finish that lingers in the mouth. Superb. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. 2025-2045