Château d'Issan 2024

Initially reserved on the nose, becoming more complex with air—liquorice, sour cherries, wild berries, rhubarb; on the palate, a certain opulence builds and gathers momentum, the tannic structure is pronounced, the acidity feels balanced and gripping, with length and a red-fruited, slightly bitter finish. A fine interpretation of the vintage.

Dark chocolate, blackcurrant leaf. Some savoury wet earth, chocolate‑tobacco elements and some crushed‑stone aromatics. Chewy, bright and tangy – this has a good fleshy feel with concentrated fruit and lifted aromas. Clean and focused with blueberry and some red cherry, plus black chocolate and liquorice notes. It’s svelte for sure, yet refined with super‑fine tannins and an overall sense of charm. There’s juiciness all the way to the finish too, which is great. 2% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot complete the blend. pH 3.20. 50% new oak.

65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot. 39.8 hl/ha. Cask sample. Reticent nose. Palate clean and structured. Serious but overall misses some elegance and charm. Slightly chewy finish. (JL)

Flowers, currants, black cherries, boysenberry, cocoa, and a hint of espresso create an aromatic profile. Medium-bodied, elegant, and refined, the wine is soft, silky, and energetic, finishing with layers of sweet, ripe, juicy red and black fruits that linger on the palate. The purity in the mid-palate extends through to a rich, elegant finish. The wine is made from a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, and 1% Petit Verdot. 13% ABV. Picking took place September 26, October 8. Drink from 2029-2048. 92-94 Pts

Delicious spicy notes of tobacco intertwine with heady flowers and very pure blueberry, creating a discreet, subtly hedonistic sensuality, underlined by delicate hints of incense. On the palate, a fruity, sublime and luminous smile unfolds with grace. An intense acidic framework energizes the richness of mocha, in a perfectly controlled balance. The chiselled finish lingers with chalky tannins.