Compare d'Issan 2001, 2011, 2012

2001 Château d'Issan is crafted from 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Merlot. Emmanuel Cruse has restored d'Issan to its former glory. This vintage offers ripe red raspberry flavours and smooth tannins, representing a more classic style than 2000. Decanter awarded it 95 points and praised it for its prosperous and deeper fruit feel compared to the 2000 vintage. This bright, young wine with juicy berry notes has a well-balanced 52hl/ha yield and is ready to drink, with the potential to age for at least another decade. The wine was released at only €14 ex-château.

The d'Issan wines have received impressive scores for the 2011 vintage. For example, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it 92 points, noting its dense ruby/purple colour and abundant cassis, kirsch, liquorice, and loamy soil undertones. Meanwhile, Decanter also awarded it 95 points, highlighting its high aromatics and freshness, making it great with food due to its high acidity.

The 2012 d'Issan received exceptional acclaim from critics. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it 95 points, praising its concentration and promising significant ageing potential. Neal Martin at Vinous noted its adherence to the traditional style of the Margaux region, while Decanter awarded it 94 points for its impressive complexity. Wine Enthusiast also emphasized its fruit quality, awarding it 93 points and describing it as a ripe, fruity wine with well-balanced acidity.