The more serious grand vin twin, the 2005 d’Issan, has a stunning nose of spring flowers, blackcurrant and blue/black fruits galore, and an impressively opaque dark plum/purple color. With a rich, concentrated and pure mouthfeel, wonderfully sweet tannin, full-bodied density and richness, but elegance in abundance, this is a stunner, and one of the great Margaux of the vintage. Drink it now and over the next 20 years.

Tasted at BBR’s 2005/2009 tasting in London. The nose is very impressive with fine mineralite: limestone, dark berries and a touch of fresh strawberry – very feminine and focused. The palate is very focused and supple on the entry, fleshy and lithe with a cashmere finish struck through with superb tension. This is an excellent from Emmanuel Cruse and his team and one probably undervalued in the market. Tasted July 2011.

– eRobertParker.com, Jan 2012

Very dark blackish crimson. Lively nose even if not very intense. Sweet and round and fleshy. Bergamot and lots of sumptuous fruit. Built to last. Quite delicate and Margaux-like. Lots of dry not drying tannins. And some zest. Hooray! (JR)

Blackcurrant, black cherry, still fresh and primary with subtle licks of clove spice and milk chocolate. Very Margaux in its delicacy. (RH)