Château D'ISSAN 2018
In the heart of Margaux, Château d’Issan occupies a historic terroir enclosed by walls, in the immediate vicinity of the Gironde estuary. Third Grand Cru Classé in 1855, the estate is now managed by Emmanuel Cruse and relies on a vineyard dominated by deep gravel soils, particularly favorable to Cabernet Sauvignon. Merlot brings more flesh and suppleness, while the diversity of soils allows for refining the balances plot by plot. Issan's style is based on an elegant interpretation of Margaux, with fine tannins, a marked floral expression, and a structure built more on length than on power. The sunny and generous 2018 vintage produced grapes of great maturity, with high levels of concentration. The estate managed to preserve freshness and precision despite this warm context, relying on the depth of the soils and a rigorous selection. The result is a full-bodied and fleshy wine, but whose aromatic finesse remains very faithful to the identity of the cru.
Château d’Issan 2018 blends 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Cabernet Sauvignon provides a straight, deep, and persistent framework, while Merlot enhances the mid-palate volume and the sensation of velvety texture. The different plots are vinified separately to respect their maturity and personality before the final blend. Extractions are conducted with precision to accompany the natural richness of the vintage without hardening the material. Aging in French oak barrels gradually refines the tannins and brings discreet woody and spicy nuances. The 2018 stands out by having greater density than the 2016, but retains beautiful freshness and great fruit clarity. After several years in bottle, the wine begins to soften while keeping a sufficiently deep structure to evolve for a long time.
The color shows a deep garnet with still strong ruby reflections. The nose opens on blackcurrant, blackberry, and black cherry, accompanied by violet, cedar, and graphite. Aeration gradually reveals notes of cocoa, licorice, blond tobacco, and soft spices. The palate is ample and velvety, with fine tannins framing a generous material without heaviness. Merlot brings a fleshy depth, while Cabernet Sauvignon maintains a beautiful tension and extends the tasting on a more mineral framework. The finish is long, precise, and slightly smoky, with a return to black fruits and spices. Château d’Issan 2018 will accompany a roasted rack of lamb, a beef fillet with porcini mushrooms, pigeon, duck breast, or veal with morels.
Grape varieties: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot
