Château d'Issan Margaux 2021 - 3ème Grand Cru Classé

Half of the estate is owned by the Cruse family and the other half by Jacky Lorenzetti, who obviously have great ambitions for it. Surrounded by walls, the approximately 50-hectare vineyard is situated on a first-class terroir, which explains the wine’s remarkable aromatic finesse and its consistency despite the frequent climatic vagaries of recent vintages. With even greater rigor in its selection process, it could rival—though without a distinct character—its prestigious neighbor, Palmer.

With a medieval fortified castle on one side and a 17th-century manor house on the other, this classified growth blends styles and eras with true harmony—a harmony that is reflected in the winery and its ship’s hull-shaped roof structure. At the helm since 1945, the Cruse family—in partnership since 2013 with Jacky Lorenzetti, who is already well-established in the Médoc—manages a 55-hectare vineyard planted on a beautiful clay-gravel terroir in the heart of the appellation.

A great success for this vintage, which displays a lovely smoothness on the mid-palate, with great distinction, as well as intensity on the finish.

In addition to a magnificent château, Issan boasts one of the few historic vineyards that has not been consolidated, ideally situated on the banks of the Gironde and enclosed within a magnificent vineyard enclosure. Thanks to the work of Emmanuel Cruse and his team, the wines have gained in body, intensity, and depth in recent years, while retaining a very silky texture. They are now among the appellation’s finest.

With aromas of red currant, ripe cherry, and flowers, along with notes of nutmeg and salt, this medium-bodied red features a solid core of fruit with medium, ripe tannins that nicely frame the wine and lend it depth and energy. Slightly chewy and velvety on the finish. 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, and 1% Petit Verdot. Best enjoyed in 2 or 3 years, but will be at its best after 2027.

Château d’Issan reveals itself with finesse, showcasing a clear pursuit of precision and delight! It unveils a multitude of nuances through ripe black berries complemented by sweet spices and licorice. Slightly slender in style, the palate effectively conveys this sense of precision through velvety, perfectly integrated tannins. They offer a touch of breadth, while the acidity provides the backbone. A well-rounded, subtle, and highly accomplished wine—even in a vintage as challenging as 2021! 2026–2046

The nose is fruity, elegant, and refined, offering lovely finesse and a certain refined power. It features notes of fairly ripe boysenberry, fresh blackcurrant, and, more subtly, juicy and fresh red berries, combined with hints of peony and pepper, as well as subtle hints of vibrant cherry, mocha, and toasty notes, along with a discreet hint of graphite and an imperceptible hint of incense (in the background). On the palate, it is fruity, offering lovely vibrancy, smoothness, freshness, and a certain rich, fleshy fruitiness. This wine expresses notes of pulpy, juicy raspberries, fleshy, juicy blackberries, and, to a lesser extent, fleshy cherries, combined with hints of lily, peony, plum blossoms, as well as hints of refined, Margaux-style minerality, flint, chocolate/cacao, and subtle notes of toasted almond and fresh vanilla. Good length. A slight chewiness on the finish. The tannins are precise and velvety. A good mid-palate and suppleness on the finish.

Deep purple in color with violet highlights and a black core. An elegant, aromatic nose reminiscent of ripe blackcurrants and juicy blackberries, with notes of pure blackcurrant, refined toast, and dark chocolate. The palate is well-structured with impressive length, great depth, and promising potential.