A strong effort from proprietor Emmanuel Cruse, d'Issan's 2009 was fashioned from minuscule yields of 18 hectoliters per hectare, and its 13.7% natural alcohol set a record at this estate. Composed of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot, it exhibits a classic Margaux fragrance of acacia flowers/violets, blueberries, cassis, licorice and camphor. Opulent and full-bodied with silky tannins as well as a rich, dense style, it will be interesting to compare the 2009 with the brilliant 2000 and 2005 over the next two to three decades. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2035+.
-Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (199), March 2012

(93-95 pts)
Following the lustrous 2000 and 2005, the 2009 is another terrific effort from proprietor Emmanuel Cruse. Tiny yields of 18 hectoliters per hectare, 13.7% natural alcohol, and a blend of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot have resulted in a wine boasting stunning minerality along with notes of flowers, blueberries, and black currants. Full-bodied with silky tannin, a tremendous opulence, and levels of density and richness never before seen at this estate, this brilliant d'Issan should age for three decades or more. (Tasted two times.)
-Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (188), April 2010

The 2009 d’Issan is endowed with an intense and classically styled bouquet, quite tight at the beginning but opening with black plum and bilberry scents. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, almost Pauillac in style with graphite infused black fruit and a long, black pepper and cedar infused finish. This represents the best showing of the 2009 d'Issan. Excellent. - vinous.com, March 2019

A strong effort from proprietor Emmanuel Cruse, d’Issan’s 2009 was fashioned from minuscule yields of 18 hectoliters per hectare, and its 13.7% natural alcohol set a record at this estate. Composed of 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot, it exhibits a classic Margaux fragrance of acacia flowers/violets, blueberries, cassis, licorice and camphor. Opulent and full-bodied with silky tannins as well as a rich, dense style, it will be interesting to compare the 2009 with the brilliant 2000 and 2005 over the next two to three decades. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2035+.

Bright medium ruby-red. Wild aromas of redcurrant, blueberry, mocha, smoke and game. Very rich and full for Margaux if a bit youthfully monolithic today following its silky entry, with black fruit flavors accompanied by medicinal chocolate and menthol elements. Has the stuffing and length to support its big, mouthdusting tannins. Offers impressive potential.

(a 60/40 blend of merlot and cabernet sauvignon; 13.9% alcohol; ITP 72; pH 3.81) Very dark ruby, with black highlights. The nose is distinctly stricter and more austere than usual for this wine, with fresh blackcurrant, violet and cedar aromas nicely lifted by a mineral note. Enters bright and fresh, with lively acids nicely framing the sweet black fruit flavors. The long, clean, vibrant finish features building tannins that are youthfully aggressive and chewy. This very attractive, classically styled Bordeaux wine eschews overripe aromas and jammy fruit flavors and is very much Margaux in style and weight. Although it will need considerable time to resolve its tannins and open fully, it should appeal to those who prefer the daintier, higher-acid style of Bordeaux Forget about it in your cellar for about 10 years, then enjoy it for another 20 after that.

Tasted blind. Mid crimson with a mature rim. Rich nose that is just the right side of porty. Lots to like and very definitely a 2009! Rich and satisfying. (JR)

[60CS/40M ] A nose of ripe cassis and oak cedar; beautifully balanced rich, fleshy middleweight, with a very fine tannin; a 'blackberry jelly' fruit core, subtly juicy, gently spicy, with a nice Cabernet complexity alongside the Merlot flesh; long and graceful, very Margaux in its delicacy and fineness, with a lovely long, fragrant finish. Fine long term d'Issan. 2017-30