Château d'Issan 2020

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

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.

Jean-Marc Quarin

Anthocyanes - Yohan Castaing

Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider

Andreas Larsson - Tasted

Pure and floral nose, violet, dark berries, very classic cabernet with modest oak. The palate combines density and freshness, fine proportions with young but ripe tannin, fresh dark fruit flavours, balanced and long.

Falstaff

Deep ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, narrow rim. Savoury black cherry fruit, plum, tobacco and wood nuances; an attractive bouquet. Juicy, ripe red cherries, well-integrated tannins, pronounced fruit with good freshness, mineral-salty finish, persistent. Certainly has good ageing potential. Another positive development from this Chateau..

Decanter

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.

James Suckling

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.