2010 d'Issan, Margaux
SKU #1136356
96 points
James Suckling
The most powerful Issan ever with incredible depth of fruit and richness. Muscular tannins. Loads of dark berry, tea leaf and autumnal character at the end of the palate. A traditional, broad-shouldered wine.
(3/2015)
95 points
Wine Advocate
A complete, medium to full-bodied, exquisite Margaux from this medieval, moat-encircled, compellingly beautiful estate in the southern Medoc, D'Issan's 2010 is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. The deep, gravelly soils mixed with clay have provided extraordinary aromatics. The yields were ridiculously low (22 hectoliters per hectare) and the wine tips the scaled at 13.7% natural alcohol. Production was small after the selection for the grand vin, and the result is a dense, purple-colored wine with beautiful aromatics of spring flowers, blueberries and black raspberries as well as hints of cassis, tar and charcoal. The wine is gorgeously pure, well-balanced, and soft enough to be approached in 4-5 years or cellared for 25-30. (RP)
(2/2013)
94 points
Vinous
The 2010 d'Issan appears to be shutting down on the nose (unlike the 2008) and begrudgingly opens in the glass to give fleeting glimpses of wondrous graphite-infused black fruit, hints of iodine and brine surfacing with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and a real killer line of acidity. Like many 2012s it has a rigid backbone but it is incredibly fresh with a sustained finish that suggests that it is one of the most sophisticated Grand Vins this estate has ever produced. (NM)
(7/2018)
91 points
Int'l Wine Cellar
Bright medium ruby. Wild, musky aromas of black raspberry, cassis, cedar, smoke, leather, game and bitter chocolate. Dense, chewy and dry, with good peppery lift to the cherry skin and bitter chocolate flavors. Finishes with surprisingly fine-grained tannins and a juicy quality. This dry, classic claret needs time in bottle to gain flesh and sweetness. My sample grew freshness with time in the glass. 91+
(7/2013)
91 points
Wine Spectator
This red offers a grippy, charcoal-laced feel, cloaked by very fleshy plum, currant and blackberry confiture flavors. The long, tarry spine drives the finish, with extra bay leaf, maduro tobacco and warm stone notes. A touch taut, but should be ready to open soon enough. (JM)
(3/2013)
K&L Notes
93 points Lisa Perotti-Brown in Wine Advocate: "Deep garnet in color, the 2010 D'Issan opens with baked blackberries, blackcurrant jelly and stewed plums scents with hints of bouquet garni and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is bright and refreshing with just enough chewy, textured black fruits and an earthy finish." (3/2020)