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.
-Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #205 Feb 2013

(94-96 pts)
2010: Emmanuel Cruse has done a superb job at this moated castle on the southern approach to the appellation of Margaux. The dense blue/purple-tinged 2010 reveals notes of violets, blue and black fruits, a striking minerality, excellent purity, texture and length, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel and noticeable but sweet, well-integrated tannins. It should drink well in 5-6 years and last 25-35.

Tasted at an impromptu visit to the chateau, the d’Issan 2010 (a blend of 39% Merlot and 61% Cabernet Sauvignon representing 53% of the crop, raised in 55% new oak for 12 months) has an intense bouquet of blackcurrant, a hint of crème de cassis and blueberry. This really captures the essence of Margaux: floral and feminine. The palate is soft and caressing on the entry with light but tensile tannins encasing the mineral-rich black fruit. It is very well balanced, nicely focused with a lingering hint of black pepper on the finish. Harmonious and long, this is a superlative d’Issan from Emmanuel Cruse and his team. Tasted November 2012.

(92-94 pts)
A blend of 39% Merlot and 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, cropped between 27th September and 14th October at 42hl/ha representing 53% of the crop, clocking 13.7% and a pH 3.81. It has a tightly-coiled, mineral-rich bouquet with blackberry, wild hedgerow, a touch of blueberry and crushed violet. Good definition and very controlled. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins on the entry, a little earthy with some sous-bois and cigar box emanating from the ripe Cabernet, good weight but not overbearing towards the finish. Very natural. This is not a show-stopping wine, but a d’Issan that you will gladly have on your table and deserves several years cellaring. Tasted April 2011.

Gorgeous ripe fruit in this with plum, black cherries and spices on the nose and palate. Full body, with soft tannins and a long, long finish. Very refined and focused. Best from here in decades. Try after 2018.
-www.jamessuckling.com, 'Tasting Report: 2010 Bordeaux "More Great Vintage"', 3 Feb 2012

(93-94 pts)
Starts off elegant and balanced, with blueberry and floral character. Full and silky. But turns chewy and mouth puckering. Very extracted. But will turn out really outstanding. Best from here in decades.

Deep garnet in color, the 2010 D'Issan opens with baked blackberries, blackcurrant jelly and stewed plums scents with hints of bouquet garni and charcoal. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is bright and refreshing with just enough chewy, textured black fruits and an earthy finish.

3rd Growth Margaux (52% harvest, 35hl/ha, 13.9%) [60CS/40M] Lovely perfume on the nose, expressive and full of promise: ripe blackberry fruit and mineral; lovely balance too: a rich middleweight, very finely tannic and fresh; sweet-cored, close knit, elegant, even, complete, long, succulently, freshly ripe, mineral backed; beautifully sustained flavour, a slightly firmer style of Margaux with a superb balance of fruit to gravelly aromas and with great length. Scope, density, finesse, completeness. A great Issan. 2022-36+ [M.Schuster, Bordeaux Mar/Apr 2011]

A juicy, ripe, forward style, with lots of kirsch and blackberry notes filled in with apple, sweet spice and red licorice, followed by a juicy finish. Not quite as vivid as the top examples, but solid. —J.M.

Firm, chewy texture. Dry fruit. Less forthcoming than other 2010s from Margaux, but balanced and satisfying. Straightforward. (RH)

Tasted blind. Deep garnet with black core. Slightly odd aroma: sweet and a bit confected, a touch volatile? Jammy. Spirity, too. Not a lot in the middle and tough tannins on the finish. Not typically Margaux. (JH)