Château d'Issan 2016

Gorgeous, seductive aromas of red and black berries; full-bodied attack, meaty structure, juicy, long and dense, first-class tannins, with a glorious blackberry finish; superb, a must.

Tasted over two days, and although the attack is supple, with fruit and light notes of espresso, the palate is somewhat low key in its expression of red and black fruit with overtones of spice. One notices high-toned acidity, and I suspect that the wine has entered a youthful, 'closed-in' phase. What cannot be denied: fine-grained tannin and impressive length on a finish marked by freshness and tonicity. Don't touch before 2025 at least, however.

Aromas of chocolate and aromatic herbs. Medium-bodied, very balanced and accessible, with precise tannins and ethereal fruit. Approachable now, with the tannins tightening gently in the finish. Wonderful balance. Drink now or hold. 10 Years On retrospective.

Tasted blind. Pure, focused nose. Tannins a little rustic. May just need time? (JR)

The 2016 Château d'Issan has a more lush, slightly precocious bouquet with violet-infused black plum and marine scents, classic in style, “cool and collected”. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, very well balanced, unapologetically classic in style with just the right amount of austerity on the finish. Surely one of the best vintages from this historic estate in recent years. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting and consistent with notes at Bordeaux Index's own tasting.

Earthy, wet forest aromatics, truffle, dark cherries and herbs on the front end, followed by a full-bodied, fresh, silky, sweet, polished red pit-fruit palate and a finish in the same vein. What more could you ask for in a terrific Margaux? This is showing beautifully today, and with age, it promises to be even better. Give it 7–9 years in bottle and enjoy it over the next 15–20 years or longer. The wine was made from a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot.

Dark garnet with an opaque core and a discreet bright rim. There are fine roasted aromas, ripe plums, a hint of violet and fresh orange zest on the attractive bouquet. Juicy and elegant with nougat and fine, integrated tannins on the palate, the wine is long, fresh and persistent, classic Margaux with a hint of caramel on the finish.

Perfumed and dark fruity expression with floral violet, crushed blackberry, tobacco and mocha notes. Nicely layered with plenty of ripe tannin, a fine hint of butterscotch, savoury dark fruit with cassis, sage, dark cherry notes and a long polished finish.

Kunz barrel sample 17: slender, red-berried bouquet, redcurrants, gooseberries, green wood. Slender, dry palate with an angular structure, firm tannins, little fruit, drying finish.

Slender, red-berried bouquet with currants, gooseberries, green wood. Lean, dry palate with an angular structure, firm tannins, little fruit, and a drying finish. 15/20 2022 - 2030

The 2016 d'Issan is a blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon and 36% Merlot. Deep garnet colored with a touch of purple, it roars out with powerful scents of crème de cassis, blackberry pie, and stewed plums with hints of mocha, violets, and licorice. The medium-bodied palate delivers a solid structure of firm, grainy tannins and seamless acidity to support the taut, muscular black fruit, finishing on a lingering aniseed note.

A lot of precision and frankness on the nose and palate, but little evolution with aeration, which makes it discreet in blind tasting, as we practice it. A racy wine, but one to wait for.

The 2016 is a lovely, classic Margaux with beautiful delicacy on the palate, fine tannins, and a mouthwatering persistence. The fruit is fresh and the finish is bright.

Fresh red fruits, floral, bramble. Lovely fresh, fruity juice, fine tannins, supple palate. A great success.

Violet-purple. The 2016 bouquet is distinctly Margaux in style, with Cabernet freshness. Pleasant notes of blackcurrant and raspberry, along with a hint of eucalyptus and cocoa powder. On the palate, the wine is juicy and refined. It seems to have closed down a little, both on the palate and on the nose. It has muscle and tight yet fine tannins with the right structure to balance the acidity. A promising wine that deserves some cellaring.

Dark, intense, purple color. Fine, fruity, smooth and very ripe nose. Delicate and velvety from the attack, charming mid-palate, finely juicy and aromatic, the wine glides into a flavorful, long finish with finely grained tannins.

94–96. Barrel Sample. This wine has an austere structure, with firm tannins. The fruit comes through slowly, revealing an attractive black-currant flavor and ample acidity. This will be a very fine wine with time; try after 2029.

Creamy, classic, spiced rosemary, beautfully juicy dark red and blue fruits. Just entering the total sweet spot, campfire, cassis, cocoa bean and steel. One to look out for, more ready to go than many in the lineup but another decade or so ahead.