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.

Score: 95 Robert Parker (RP), The Wine Advocate (WA), February 2013

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. Better in 2018.

Score: 96 James Suckling (JS), JamesSuckling.com, March 2015

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. Just be warned that it needs another 8 to 10 years in bottle. Tasted at the d’Issan vertical held at the property.

Score: 94 Neal Martin (NM), Vinous Media (VM), July 2018