Chateau d'Issan

Margaux

 

Classification:

Third-growth in 1855

 

Vineyards (red):

Surface area: 74 acres

Average age of vines: approximately 25 years

Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot

Density of plantation: 8,500 vines per hectare

Average yields (over the last 5 years): 45 hectoliters per hectare

Total average annual production: 150,000 bottles

 

Grand Vin (red):

Brand name: Chateau d'Issan

Appellation: Margaux

Mean annual production: 125,000 bottles

Upbringing: Fermentations last 6 days, macerations 18-21 days, depending upon the vintage. Wines are transferred, after malolactics, to oak barrels, of which 35% are new, for 16 months aging. They are fined but not filtered before bottling.

 

Second Wine:

Brand name: Blason d'Issan

Average annual production: 25,000-40,000 bottles depending upon the vintage

 

Evaluation of present classification: Should be downgraded to at least a fifth-growth

Plateau of maturity: 5-15 years following the vintage

Chateau d'issan also produces 70,000 bottles of Chateau de Candale (Haut-Médoc) from 27.5 acres of vines; and 70,000 bottles of Moulin d'Issan (Bordeaux Supérieur) from 27.5 acres of vines

 

"When good, d'Issan is prized for its soft yet delicate character and provocative perfume. The best recent vintages have been the 1996, 1995 and 1983."                             

Robert M. Parker Jr.

 

Chateau d'Issan 1996       

(3º Growth)

 

 

Rated 91-93

Wine Magazine

 

Wine Spectator: “Plenty of blackberry, currant and cherry character.  Medium-to-full bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, fruity aftertaste.  A mellow and well-defined 1996.  One of the best Issans in ages.  Best after 2000.  10,000 cases made.”

 

Rated 90

Wine Spectator

 

Robert Parker: “Perhaps a breakthrough effort for this beautiful, moated chateau, wonderfully intense fruit, excellent purity, and a graceful, stylish personality.  This wine is intense, yet at the same time delicate.”

 

Rated 87- 89 Robert M. Parker Jr.