Château d'Issan 2005, Margaux 75cl

Expert Opinion

In the press...

Expansive nose, but rather more constrained on the palate. Good length, but not quite the weight to match it. Makes a lovely lighter style Margaux, though, and certainly has the flavour density to develop

Along with the 2000, the 2005 is one of the two greatest d’Issans I have ever tasted. Kudos to proprietor Emmanuel Cruse for creating this beauty. Its dense purple hue is accompanied by aromas of camphor, forest floor, blackberries, cassis, and a hint of spring flowers. Full-bodied with superb richness, purity, texture, and abundant, sweet tannin, it should hit its stride in 3-4 years, and last for 25+. Bravo!

Background

History

Famously praised by the then President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, Chateau d'Issan was highly regarded in the 18th and 19th century. However by the 1950s, the estate was in significant decline, no doubt hit hard by the economic hardships and World Wars of the previous years. Its saviour was Emmanuel Cruse: Having purchased the property in 1945 with only 2 hectares still under vine, he set about extensive replanting and renovation. Today, d'Issan is still in the hands of the Cruse family. Chateau d'issan is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful of Bordeaux's chateaux

Winemaking details

Emmanuel Cruse

Regional info

Margaux is a one of the key appellations in the Haut-Medoc district of Bordeaux on the left bank of the Gironde. Geographically speaking, it is the largest appellation in the Medoc. Whilst in Saint-Julien, Saint-Estephe and Pauillac, the vineyards belonging to each chateau, even to the wealthiest, are often dispersed and mixed in with those of their rivals. As a result, the claim of any one estate to have a monopoly on the best terroir is diluted and the skill of the winemaker is all the more important to create the best wine. The terroir of Margaux has a particularly gravel content (Pauillac and Saint-Estephe have slightly more clay) and this lends Margaux's wines famous lightness of style which, in skilled hands, is seductively elegant.