We’ve been focusing on our growing Burgundy selection for the last few weeks, but we don’t want anyone thinking we’ve forgotten about Bordeaux! France’s Cabernet king has been running a string of fantastic vintages in a row, starting with 2019, and as many of you already know: there are few meals more satisfying in the world than a finely cooked steak with a glass of properly aged Margaux.
With a few years of bottle age already, the ripe 2019 Bordeaux Cabernets are already singing, especially the more delicate offerings from Margaux. While a bottle of 2019 Château Margaux will run you at least $800 per bottle in the current market, we think one of its neighboring properties—Château d’Issan—is making some of the best “value” Bordeaux wines in the entire Médoc right now.
The critics agree.
If you’re unfamiliar with Château d’Issan, it's an overachieving third-growth estate that has been one of the premier Margaux properties since its original classification back in 1855 (when all the top Médoc properties were ranked by quality). On the whole, there’s not a lot of bad wine made in Margaux, but there are plenty of estates that are charging waaaaaaay too much. Château d’Issan isn’t one of those properties, thank goodness.
Characterized by supple red fruits, fine and elegant tannins, along with a flurry of spices on the finish, the house style of Issan has always been charming, and we think the 2019 expression is the perfect entry into high-end Bordeaux for those of you looking to learn more about the category. Unlike many California Cabs with their big fruit flavor and smooth mouthfeel, French Cabernet Sauvignon—especially Bordeaux— is much more in balance between fruit, earth, minerality, and structure.
Grab a bottle. Open and decant it. Cook yourself a fine meal. And enjoy this incredible wine from one of Margaux’s top châteaux. The only issue is there’s not much available, especially at our very attractive price.
2019 Château d’Issan Margaux $64.95 (Elsewhere $80+)
97 POINTS: JAMES SUCKLING - Fresh currants and raspberries pop out of the glass, together with oranges and cedar. Such purity of fruit in the nose. Full-bodied, yet so refined and vertical. It goes deep and long with tight, compressed tannins that are pure and exciting. Really tight and focused. Precise.
96 POINTS: ROBERT PARKER’S WINE ADVOCATE - Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 D'Issan soars out of the glass with expressive scents of baked red currants, warm cassis and black cherry compote with hints of powdered cinnamon, potpourri, Provence herbs and aniseed plus a waft of fallen leaves. The medium-bodied palate is elegantly played with bags of fresh, vibrant black and red berry flavors and a firm line of ripe, grainy tannins, finishing with an invigorating lift.
95 POINTS: VINOUS - The 2019 d'Issan was picked from September 25 to October 11 and matured in 50% new oak. This clearly has more dimension on the nose, offering well-defined blackberry and raspberry fruit; pencil shavings and undergrowth scents emerge with time. The harmonious palate is very well balanced, with pliant tannins, perfectly judged acidity, and an engaging build in the mouth. Yes, this has put on a bit of weight during its time in barrel, and it should give 30 to 40 years of drinking pleasure. Excellent.