Description
The 2022 growing season in Margaux was hot and dry, and the region suffered from severe drought during the summer. Despite this, the grapes from Château d’Issan were characterized by small berries with thick skins and remarkable concentration. The harvest took place earlier than usual. The result is a Margaux wine that, despite its greater depth and concentration compared to typical vintages, retains an aroma that is unmistakably characteristic of “d’Issan. The blend consists of approximately 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, which corresponds to the standard ratio for this estate with 5% balanced between Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. The blend is determined in January and February in consultation with consultant Éric Boissenot, after which the wine is aged in French oak barriques (225-liter Bordeaux barrels) for 16–18 months. About half of the barrels are new. This proportion of new barrels is sufficient to impart structure and spicy notes to the wine without detracting from the floral nuances characteristic of Margaux.
Tasting Note :
First impressions include notes of black currant and dark cherry, complemented by the classic Margaux aroma of violets. Underneath these, there are nuances of cedar, graphite, and gravel, characteristic of the gravelly vineyards. Merlot lends the wine body in the mid-palate, but Cabernet Sauvignon plays the leading role. The wine is characterized by fine tannins, a lingering finish, and a rich flavor, with a slight hint of iron in the aftertaste. For a wine from d’Issan, it has a high concentration, yet it does not feel heavy. It can be enjoyed immediately after being exposed to air, but for full enjoyment, it is recommended to age the wine for 5 to 7 years.
