2020 Chateau d'Issan - 3eme Cru Margaux

Bettanedessauve.com - 94-95pts: *L’apport de nouvelles vignes, juste à l’extérieur du mur du clos se manifeste par un corps plus généreux qu’en 2019 un caractère plus décidé, mais jouant toujours sur une finesse florale d’une parfaite typicité margalaise Bravo.* - 06/2021

Decanter.com -96pts - JA: *This is a sinewy, powerful and forward moving wine with a sense of momentum Moreish, with the elegance and plump damson fruits that Issan delivers so well, but more muscular than some years with the impact of both Petit Verdot and Malbec that are in the blend for the first time in this vintage These add layers of spice and the overall architecture is clear Peony and violet notes add a kick upwards on the finish, this has a delicacy even though it is intense Less Cabernet in the blend in 2020 than in 2019 as is often the case in the Médoc due to low yields This new blend in Issan will be seen going forward after the addition of plots from the purchase of Château Pontac Lynch.* - 06/2021

Falstaff Magazin – (92-94) pts – PM: *Tiefdunkles Rubingranat, opaker Kern, violette Reflexe, zarte Randaufhellung. Zart kräuterwürzig unterlegte schwarze Kirschfrucht, zart nach Pflaumen und kandierten Orangenzesten, attraktives Bukett. Saftig, reife rote Herzkirschen, gut integrierte Tannine, gute Frische, mineralisch-salzig im Abgang, zarte Süße im Abgang, bleibt haften, verfügt über gutes Reifepotenzial. Zeigt in den letzten Jahren sehr positive Entwicklungsansätze.* - 05/2021

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - (93-95) pts: *The 2020 D'Issan is a blend of 55 Cabernet Sauvignon, 39 Merlot, 2 Petit Verdot, 3 Cabernet Franc and 1 Malbec, aging in French oak barriques, 50 new It has an alcohol of 13 29 a pH of 3 71 and an IPT (tannin index) of 73 Displaying an opaque purple black color, it has vibrant notes of Bing cherries, boysenberries, ripe redcurrants and juicy black plums, plus hints of pencil shavings, wild thyme, lavender and forest floor The medium bodied palate has impressive energy with crunchy red and black fruits and compelling tension, framed by fine grained tannins, finishing long and mineral laced.* - 06/2021

Vinum Magazin – 17,5/20pts: *Braucht etwas Belüftung, dann besonders komplex mit blumig und fruchtigen Akzenten;kräftiger Auftakt, saftige Entwicklung, erstklassiges Tannin, grosse Spannkraft und und Länge; voller Temperament und Rasse: dürfte abgefüllt 18 Punkte wert sein.* - 09/2021

WeinWisser – 17/20pts - WL: *55 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 39 % Merlot, 3 % Cabernet Franc, 2 % Petit Verdot, 1 % Malbec, 38 hl/ha. Dichtes Purpur mit opaker Mitte und lila Rand. Komplexes Waldbeerbouquet mit Lakritze und zarten Fliedernoten, dahinter Holundergelee und schwarze Johannisbeerdrops. Am satten Gaumen mit weicher Textur, fein sandiges Extrakt, stützende Rasse und engmaschiges Tanningerüst. Im gebündelten Finale schwarzbeerige Konturen, dunkles Graphit und zarte kernige Noten im Untergrund, endet mit mürber Adstringenz.* – 04/2021

JancisRobinson.com - 17,5/20pts - JR: *55 Cabernet Sauvignon, 39 Merlot, 3 Cabernet Franc, 2 Petit Verdot, 1 Malbec (the latter three from parcels of Pontac Lynch acquired in March 2020 the Petit Verdot planted in 1948 45 of the production Cask sample 55 Cabernet Sauvignon, 39 Merlot, 3 Cabernet Franc, 2 Petit Verdot, 1 Malbec (the latter three from parcels of Pontac Lynch acquired in March 2020 the Petit Verdot planted in 1948 45 of the production Cask sample Classic Issan but with more aromatic complexity and a tad more length Intense, floral with smooth elegant tannins and balancing freshness Persistent finish.* - 06/2021

JamesSuckling.com - 97-98 pts - JS: *Extremely floral and fruity with currants and blackberries It’s full bodied and very layered with delicious, dense character Full bodied with dusty, layered tannins Rich, but not heavy Long and chewy on the finish 55 cabernet sauvignon, 39 merlot, 3 cabernet franc, 2 petit verdot and 1 malbec.* - 06/2021

Vinous.com - (93-95) pts - AG: *The 2020 d'Issan is the first vintage that incorporates Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec to complement the traditional Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in the blend Pretty floral and savory accents complement a core of ripe red/purplish berry fruit Medium in body and vibrant, with superb persistence, Issan is shaping up to be a jewel of a wine The purity of the flavors is striking Harvest took place over three weeks between September 17 through October 2 which is only about a week earlier than normal, so not that displaced relative to what was the norm in much of Bordeaux Tasted three times.* - 06/2021

Vinous.com - (93-95) pts - NM: *The 2020 Château d’Issan picked from September 17 to October 2 and blended in early January, then matured in 50 new oak, has a beautiful and very pure bouquet of blackberry, blueberry and light cranberry notes intertwined with crushed stone and subtle potpourri and violet scents, all wonderfully focused and exquisitely defined The palate is medium bodied with gentle but insistent grip on the entry The tannins are very chiseled and the acidity lends plenty of tension that is palpable from start to finish This is a sophisticated Margaux in the making, full of breeding and class.* - 06/2021