Blason d'Issan Margaux

Chateau d`Issan is a Third Growth Margaux property that produces about 100,000 bottles each year. Its richly aromatic and silky-textured Clarets are often amongst the best of the appellation. The estate’s history dates back to 1152 when the wine was officially served at the wedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine to King Henry II, the beginning of a special relationship between Bordeaux and England.

The d’Essenault family owned the estate over five generations and rebuilt the existing château at the end of the 16th century. Surrounded by a moat, it is one of the oldest châteaux in the region and is frequently described as the most romantic in the Médoc. In 1945 the Cruse family – already established in the Médoc for more than 150 years – purchased the property. Today Emmanuel Cruse runs the estate with the Lorenzetti family (owners of Châteaux Pédesclaux and Ladouys). They own 44 hectares in Margaux, planted with 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Merlot. Blason d’Issan was introduced from 1995 onwards to enable selection amongst the chateau’s vines growing in the Margaux appellation area.

Fruit from the youngest vines is used to produce this wine, which respects the identity of its terroir, while offering a tasty round fruitiness, which can be enjoyed earlier. The wine spends between 16 and 18 months in oak (around 50% new). Despite heavy late April frosts, the wall that protects the estate and this specific “Clos” creates its own microclimate, it was this that spared the grapes from ruin. Fruity, and very ripe with silky, classy tannins, the grapes were blended for a balanced final wine. Château d’Issan 2017 is comparable to no other vintage, but remains completely loyal to the true expression of its historic terroir.