Chateau D Issan 2020

Chateau D'Issan Troisieme Grand Cru Classe, Margaux, Bordeaux, France, 2020

Grapes: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec, 40ha vineyard (within Margaux appellation) on gravel/clay soil, aged 16-18 months in French oak (50% new wood)

The property is located just south of Chateau Margaux and next door to Chateau Palmer; two of the greatest Margaux vineyards!

Critics' Tasting Notes: 

"The first vintage to include 5 Bordeaux varietals in the blend starts out with violets, forest floor, spice, plums, currants, cherries, mint, and a hint of pepper on the nose. Vibrant red fruits, silky tannins, sweetness, and purity in the fruits are easy to discern on the palate. The elegant finish lingers, which is a good thing, as you are going to finish the bottle far too quickly. Tasting 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, and now 2020 over the years is going to be a lot of fun. But I warn you, it will be difficult to pick a favorite. Though, today, there is a good possibility that the 2020, due to the inclusion of the new grape sources is going to be at the head of the class."

95/100 points, Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider, March 2023

"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."

94+/100 points, William Kelley, WINE ADVOCATE, April 2023