Blason d'Issan 2023

Really expressive, dried flowers, green and red fruit. Herbal notes and dark, ripe black fruit on the palate with chalky minerality. It’s a little serious, though nicely defined, with a good weight. Juicy and clean, I like the style; it’s classy with lots of minty Cabernet freshness on the finish. Lifted, if still a touch austere at this point. Could be upscored in bottle. 3.50 pH. Ageing 35% new oak.

The 2023 Blason d’Issan has a straightforward, quite high-toned, pastille-like bouquet that just needs a little more breadth. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, strict tannins, but it feels a bit hollow through the mid-palate and a touch raw on the finish. I have had better Blason d’Issan.

Dark ruby, purple reflections, brightening on the rim. Delicately tobacco-like, floral touch, fresh strawberry notes, red cherries, inviting bouquet. Juicy, fruity texture, some ripe fig, lingers with distinctive aromas, mineral, salty, already very inviting.

The spiced oak character with high clove spice is more evident than it was En Primeur. Juicy on the palate, a ton of rose bud, floral character, clear impact from just 3% Malbec, a little shut down on the finish. 30% oak for ageing. Great value. Eric Boissenot consultant.

Score: 91–93. Deep and generous, the nose opens with aromas of crisp red berries (redcurrant, wild strawberry, burlat cherry) and wild strawberry coulis. A sumptuous fruit greets the palate, with some meaty, smoky notes and decadent floral aromas. The pure, silky texture carries through to a chalky finish.

Mint, flowers, herbs, and red berries create the main focus of the wine here. Medium-bodied and fresh, with soft, elegant textures, the finish displays ample red cherries with vibrancy. This is perfect for near-term drinking while waiting for the Grand Vin to develop. Drink from 2026-2036.

Logo on the cork: FS (Francisco Segrara) Deep, intense dark red color. Very aromatic and pure nose, fruity and fresh. Hints of citrus when swirled. Delicate on the attack, flavorful on the mid-palate; the wine melts on the palate, pleasant and a little discreet on the finish. Normal length.