A wonderful success of the vintage, the 2008 d'Issan exhibits a dark plum/garnet/purple color as well as abundant aromas of flowers, Asian spices, jammy plums and black currants. Broad, savory and medium to full-bodied with sweet tannin and an evolved, already delicious, complex style, this cuvee will age nicely for 10-15 years.

Tasted ex-château and single blind in Southwold. This is superb wine from one of Margaux’s oldest estates. The nose shows signs of a little over-extraction in the winery with very faint date aromas infusing the black, tarry fruit. This comes through on the palate that is opulent and showy, although there is decent acidity to cut through the thick swathes of toasty black fruit. Solid and almost impenetrable on the finish. Superb. This is another clean-cut, feminine wine from Emmanuel Cruse and his team. January 2012.

A wonderful success of the vintage, the 2008 d'Issan exhibits a dark plum/garnet/purple color as well as abundant aromas of flowers, Asian spices, jammy plums and black currants. Broad, savory and medium to full-bodied with sweet tannin and an evolved, already delicious, complex style, this cuvee will age nicely for 10-15 years.

Bright red-ruby. Pungent dark berries, sour cherry, graphite, spices and leather on the nose. Supple, suave and fresh, with harmonious acidity framing the dark fruit and cherry flavors. This nicely delineated, elegant midweight shows a restrained sweetness and finishes with very good grip and length.

Medium-deep ruby. Perfumed, sexy nose is redolent of smoky violet, ripe black cherry and minerals. Soft and fleshy on entry, but with strong, polished tannins and bright, harmonious acidity nicely framing the rich, ripe red cherry and plum flavors. Wonderful balance and a long, clean finish make this enjoyable midweight a standout. Congratulations to owner Emmanuel Cruse for increasing the concentration level of his grand vin without losing its trademark refinement.