Château d'Issan 2015

93–95. Barrel Sample. This is a serious, structured wine. It has plenty of black plum flavor, although the firm tannins will play an important part in its development. The ample acidity and fresh finish are other harbingers for the wine's good future.

Developed nose, with a touch of brick red on the rim in the glass. Plenty of oak in evidence on a palate which is rather drying. Chunky red fruit, good acidity and ready now. Lacks the more modern style of 2020 and the freshness of 2014. Harvested 21 September to 6 October.

Very complex aromas of currants, blackberries and iodine with hints of dried mushrooms and flowers. Full-bodied, very fine and silky with a very, very long finish. Shows tension and finesse. Structured yet shows an ultra-fine texture. Deep, dense center palate, yet it's all so polished. A wine for the future. Drink in 2022.

Tasted blind. Muddy garnet. Smells a bit old. But has current charm. (JR)

Elegant, refined, floral, and fresh, the wine is packed to the brim with perfectly ripe, exuberant, lively, earthy, black plums, cherries, blackberries, cigar wrapper, and flowers. Full-bodied, vibrant, soft, and silky, give this beauty just a few more years of aging and enjoy it over the following 2 decades or more with ease. Drink from 2025-2055.

It has a dark ruby colour, with purple reflections, and a discreet bright rim. On the nose there is delicate caramel, a touch of nougat, pleasant dark berry confit in the background, as well as some vanilla. It is juicy, round and elegant, with silky tannins, and a sweet finish. It is without corners and edges, and has a somewhat melting style.

A powerhouse offering from proprietor Emmanuel Cruse (with consulting advice from Eric Boissenot) is the 2015 Château d'Issan which in 2015 is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot brought up in just over 50% new barrels. Offering a spectacular Bouquet of blackcurrants, lead pencil, chocolate and espresso, this full-bodied, incredibly sexy Margaux boasts sweet, sweet tannin, lots of oak, a stacked mid-palate and a huge finish. It's a tour de force that's going to benefit from 5-6 years of cellaring and keep for three decades. As I've stated numerous times in this report, Margaux was the place to be in 2015 and I suspect numerous estates have made their best wines to date.

Deep purple, saturated in the centre, pomegranate glints at the rim. Intense nose, initially slightly medicinal, red plum skins, cedar aromas and Dominican tobacco. Firm on the palate, showing tannic muscle. While other Margaux wines pursue charm, this one stays true to its masculine character.

Deep purple, rich in the centre, pomegranate hues at the rim. Intense nose, slightly medicinal on the attack, red plum skins, cedarwood and Dominican tobacco notes. Firm on the Palate, showing tannic muscle. While other Margaux play the charm card, this one stays true to itself with its masculine character.

Herbs, muted bouquet, red cherries, wood. Lean, crisp palate with little fruit, dry structure, sandy tannin, light aromatics, short finish. 15/20 2021 - 2030

Tasted during the Academie du Vin dinner, which this year celebrated vintages ending in 5. The choice was pretty overwhelming, but this really stood out, and it's a wine that I also had at home a few times this year, and can fully recommend. It's really coming into its drinking window, reflecting a revitalized Issan showing great precision and personality. Expect waves of autumnal raspberry and cranberry, gunsmoke, campfire, grilled cocoa bean and caramel, mint leaf and black tea. Just the right amount of sweet fruit and fresh acidities. The 70th anniversary of the Cruse family at Issan.

The 2015 d'Issan is medium to deep garnet in color. It soars with red berries and mulberries plus herbs and tobacco. It is medium-bodied, elegant, refreshing and long.

The nose displays woody notes not yet fully integrated. It nevertheless unfolds with good volume on the palate, with a creamy character and beautiful softness to the tannins.

Issan presents itself with beautiful, delicate and charming aromas. The wine is both powerful and elegant, with beautiful length and a superb wood character that is not excessive. This complex wine, nicely spiced, is one of the finest ever produced. Buy it as a vins primeurs, it is destined for glory. 65% cabernet-sauvignon, 35% merlot. The wine was aged with 50% new oak and the grand vin represents 55% of production.

Garnet red. What a blossoming in this bouquet. It has reached an initial stage where it displays some maturity that it perfectly balances with freshness. Pleasant and inviting cocoa bean note, followed by classic fruity aromas with raspberries, blueberries and a touch of mint. Juicy and indulgent attack. On the palate the wine is slightly creamy and well supported by its structure. A wine with body and power.

Logo on the cork: CB Beautiful dark red, intense. Very aromatic nose, fine, fruity, pure, ripe. Meticulous on the entry, particularly flavourful in the mid-palate, with graceful character, the wine melts on the palate, juicy, rich, long and even profound. Bravo! 11 bottles opened that tasted identical!