Chateau d'Issan, Margaux

Deep, ruby, tight rim. Bright cherry fruit, Cassis, liquorice, with the tone of mineral and spice. The palate reflects the nose, slightly herbal, minty clean, with a firm structure. Tannins are full. The aftertaste is fresh and round a la style Boissenot.; full-bodied with long length; a masculine Margaux; a sleeper.

Scores are consistent and high. For example:

93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Only 57% of the production made it into the 2011 d'Issan, which tips the scales at a lofty 13.2% natural alcohol. A blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon and 31% Merlot, it possesses a dark ruby/purple colour and a classic Margaux perfume of sweet blueberries, black currants, spring flowers and liquorice. Ripe and deep with impressive intensity, it is one of the stars of the 2011 vintage. The wine's silky tannins, fresh acids and stunning length suggest it will drink well for 15-20 years. Edited.

92 points Wine Enthusiast

A dense wine that's full of black plums and firm tannin. It weights the front and juicy freshness on the finish (4/2012)

91 points Wine Spectator

Good focus, with a dusty frame but an excellent sappy core of blackberry and black cherry. Nice perfumy edge on the finish. (4/2012)

95 points Decanter

Here, the high aromatics punch right out of the glass. Its excellent quality, juiciness, and a sense of restraint to the undoubtedly exuberant black fruits. A sense of freshness and fun runs through it, which will be great with food because of its high acidity. A liquorice edge and a saline kick to the finish make it highly mouthwatering. There's plenty to grab hold of here, and the vintage allows for an Issan that's approachable earlier than usual, and wine lovers should make the most of it. Edited.