Chateau d'Issan 2013

Deep, ruby, tight rim. Fresh cherry and cassis fruit, followed by liquorice, with a tone of mineral and spice. The palate reflects the nose, slightly herbal, minty clean, with a firm structure. Tannins are full; body structured. The aftertaste is intense and round a la style Boissenot.; medium-bodied with long length; a masculine Margaux, a sleeper. Some scores are low; hence the price is still reasonable; however, WE, JS and RP scores are consistent at 92 to 93 levels, such as:

WE93. Barrel Sample. While the wine is closed and rigid, it's full of potential. Ripe berry fruits are there, buried for the time being beneath the tannins, but as they come through, they emphasize the wine's inherent generosity, which will continue to develop with age. Edited.

RP92. The Château d'Issan, a blend of 26% Merlot and 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, has a simple, light redcurrant and cranberry-scented bouquet with a pleasant floral aspect. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannins, with good depth considering its peers' performance and good definition on the finish. At last - a decent Margaux 2013! Edited.

92 JS. A great core of ripe fruit for the appellation of Margaux. Medium body, with blueberry and strawberry character. Fine tannins. Fresh finish. Extremely well done. Edited.