15 Jun 2021

Château d'Issan is one of the oldest Cru Classé estates, with wine making recorded here in 1152.  The château itself is also one of the most beautiful, built in the 17th century by the Essenault family (whose name became contracted to Issan in local dialect).  Now owned jointly by Emmanuel Cruse and Jacky Lorenzetti (of Pedesclaux fame), they have produced a 2020 vintage which scores a potential 98 points from Suckling. 

The style in this vintage is essentially Margaux on stilts; offering the traditional refinement and fine texture, but with the volume turned up on the aromatic complexity and intensity.  Neal Martin calls it "a sophisticated Margaux in the making, full of breeding and class" (93-95 points) whilst Jane Anson finds it has "a delicacy even though it is intense" (96 points). 

Released at £506 per dozen in bond, this equates to just under £54 per bottle 'on your table', which seems a very reasonable price for such a high-scoring classic, from such a historic estate.

Bordeaux En Primeur, landing in spring 2023.

To order, e-mail us at sales@richardkihl.ltd.uk

See Emmanuel Cruse introduce the 2020 vintage of d'Issan:

Producer Profile

Château d'Issan, Margaux

Château d'Issan is a Troisième Grand Cru Classé in the commune of Margaux.  Records show that wine was being made here in the 12th century (known then as La Mothe-Cantenac).  The name comes from the 17th century, when it was owned by the d’Essenault family, corrupted to Issan.  The beautiful The château itself, one of the most beautiful in Bordeaux, dates to this period.  D'Issan was purchased in 1945 by the Cruse family, Bordeaux negociants and vineyard owners.  Emmanuel Cruse has been responsible for modernizing the estate.  In 2012, a 50% share in the estate was sold to Jacky Lorenzetti, owner of Pedesclaux and Lilian Ladouys.  Cruse also works with Lorenzetti at his other properties.

The 52 hectare vineyard is planted to 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec.