2009 Ch. d'Issan, Margaux

Made from tiny yields (25hl/ha) due to the ravages of a hail storm early in the year, Ch Issan’s 2009 is beautifully succulent with intensely concentrated bramble fruit, fine minerality and absolutely melting tannins. Elegant and charming but very sexy at the same time, this has a delicious freshness and purity that add harmony and balance. Wonderful.

Dense red, rich,, plummy black fruits, wonderful middle palate showing great structure over the lissom, fleshy fruit, lovely texture and very good tannins for the future.
(Steven Spurrier - Decanter - Apr 2010)

May 11 hail meant yield was just 35 hl/ha. We were shown a sarment with scars like machine-gun fire on one side and satin smooth on the other. Dark, intense nose. Very smooth and satin-like with the tannins extremely ripe underneath. Very similar blend to Blason, 40% Merlot, same as in 2005. Fresh and ripe and easy. With a nice kick on the finish. This should last a lot longer but it’s very much in the same style.
(Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com - Apr 2010)

A strong effort from proprietor Emmanuel Cruse, d’Issan’s 2009 was fashioned from minuscule yields of 18 hectoliters per hectare, and its 13.7% natural alcohol set a record at this estate. Composed of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot, it exhibits a classic Margaux fragrance of acacia flowers/violets, blueberries, cassis, licorice and camphor. Opulent and full-bodied with silky tannins as well as a rich, dense style, it will be interesting to compare the 2009 with the brilliant 2000 and 2005 over the next two to three decades
(Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - Feb 2012)

Blackberry and mineral aromas follow through to a full body, with silky tannins and a medium finish. Subtle and attractive, but lacks a little concentration.
(James Suckling - Wine Spectator - March 2010)