“Magnificent aromas—fresh and floral, with notes of black currant and milk chocolate. Intensely concentrated, it offers a lovely fruity attack with velvety, firm, and full-bodied tannins. A magnificent palate—fresh yet straightforward and taut—that stays on course and maintains its concentration. You can sense the meticulous craftsmanship, with balanced ripeness and acidity. It is pleasantly precise and detailed, juicy and concentrated, with purity and power. Impressive and persistent. It will be excellent in 5 to 10 years.” (Decanter 2023)
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Eye
Ink-colored dress
Nose
Delicate, fresh, and charming, with aromas of ripe fruit (blackcurrant), flowers (violet), chocolate, and subtle spices
Palate
Creamy texture, silky and refined tannins, vibrant freshness, excellent balance, and a flavorful, lingering finish
Serve
At 17-18°C
Open
2 hours before
Drink starting at
2026
Drink before
2035
Food and Wine Pairings
Enjoy it with a grilled ribeye steak, duck breast with porcini mushrooms, or chocolate mousse...
Bettane & Desseauve
Rated estate (2021 guide): 4*Stars (Producers of the very highest quality, the pride of French viticulture)
About the estate:
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.
Decanter
Wine rated (2023 guide) 92/100
About the wine:
Magnificent aromas—fresh and floral, with notes of black currant and milk chocolate. Intensely concentrated, it offers a lovely fruity attack with powdery, firm, and full-bodied tannins. A magnificent palate—fresh yet straightforward and taut—that stays on course and maintains its concentration. You can sense the meticulous craftsmanship, with balanced ripeness and acidity. It is pleasantly precise and detailed, juicy and concentrated, with purity and power. Impressive and persistent. It will be excellent in 5 to 10 years. 1% PV planted in 1982. 14% press wine. Production percentage: 46%. Total acidity: 3.62. 35% new barrels. pH 3.60. 2027–2042
Guide Hachette des vins
Rated Estate (2021 Guide) Award-Winning Wines (This producer's wines regularly receive awards from the guide)
About the estate:
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 wine cellar 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.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Estate rated "Recommended" (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Rated Estate (2021 Guide) 2*Stars (These exceptional estates, often boasting fabulous terroirs, are must-haves that, thanks to the consistency and excellence of their wines, deserve a place in the cellars of discerning wine lovers)
About the estate:
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.
James Suckling
Wine rated (2025 guide) 94/100
About the wine:
A velvety, fresh wine with silky tannins that caress the palate. It is medium-bodied, with a crisp quality. Creamy texture. A tangy, flavorful finish. Very drinkable now, but it will be at its best in 2 or 3 years. Issan’s second wine. 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, 55% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot.
Le Figaro vins
Wine rated (2023 guide) 92/100
About the wine:
A divine burst of delicate, fresh flowers blends with aromas of ripe fruit and mocha in a delightful and charming bouquet. The palate is a delight, with generous, indulgent, and fresh notes carried by a very nice, fine, and silky texture. Everything you’d expect from a second wine. 2026–2033
Yves Beck
Wine rated (2024 guide) 93/100
About the wine:
The Blason d’Issan’s bouquet displays great finesse and even depth, with a compelling interplay of spicy, fruity, and floral notes against a backdrop tinged with hints of aging. With good body, the wine boasts refined tannins and a refreshing structure. Perfectly balanced, it can be enjoyed while young, but its aging potential is more than respectable. A fine achievement! 2025–2036
Jean-Marc Quarin
Wine rated (2023 guide) 92/100
About the wine:
Black in color. The nose is intense, refined, fruity, pure, ripe, fresh, and smooth. Melting on the palate from the very first sip, the wine unfolds with juicy notes, a silky texture, and a fragrant, flavorful body. The aroma returns beautifully in the finish, further enhancing the wine’s appeal.
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