95

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2020 d'Issan is a gorgeous, wonderfully complete wine. Blueberry, sage, dried herbs, menthol, lavender and licorice are all beautifully knit together. Medium in body, with notable depth and freshness, Issan is all class. Silky tannins round out the long, vibrant finish. 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. 12/2022

94

Neal Martin

Vinous

The 2020 d'Issan is the first vintage with the parcels acquired from Pontac-Lynch, located just outside the Clos d'Issan. It contains a few rows of Malbec whose quality surprised Emmanuel Cruse, hence 1% in the Grand Vin. It also includes Petit Verdot planted in 1948. It is quintessentially Margaux on the nose with pressed violet and incense infusing the black fruit, beautifully defined with just some new oak to be assimilated. The palate is medium-bodied with svelte tannins, perfectly-judged acidity, harmonious and wonderfully focused on the peacock's tail of a finish. This is one of the finest d'Issans of the modern era. 12/2022

94+

William Kelley

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

A very strong effort for this estate, the 2020 D'Issan wafts from the glass with aromas of dark berries and cassis mingled with notions of violets and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and vibrant, with good depth at the core, refined tannins and a penetrating finish, it's an elegant, perfumed Margaux that's built to age with grace. 04/2023

95

Jean-Marc Quarin

Jean-Marc Quarin

Couleur sombre, intense, pourpre et belle. Nez très aromatique, fin, subtil et parfumé, au fruité pur et mûr. Ultra fondant en entrée de bouche, délicieux et dense au milieu, particulièrement aromatique, le vin caresse le palais velouté et savoureux. Il s'achève long, délicatement tramé sur des tannins de rêve. Assemblage : 55 % cabernet sauvignon, 39 % merlot, 3 % cabernet franc, 2 % petit verdot, 1 % malbec. Degré d'alcool : 13°29 - pH : 3,71 - IPT : 73 (moyenne plus). Rendement : 38,5 hl/ha. Proportion de premier vin : 45 %.

97

James Suckling

James Suckling

Gorgeous aromas of dried flowers, currants, bark, and forest floor. Lead pencil, too. Tobacco. Full-bodied yet racy and polished with fine and silky tannins that run the length of the wine. Crunchy and fresh at the end. Give this five or six years to come together. Supple yet structured. It builds at the finish. Try after 2028. 11/2023