Blason d'Issan is the second wine of Château d’Issan, made from the estate’s younger vines and specific plots within the Margaux appellation. Introduced in 1995, it mirrors the elegance and perfume of the Grand Vin but in a more approachable, earlier‑drinking style. In 2017, the blend is roughly 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot (some tech sheets specify 52/48). The wine captures ripe plum and peachy fruit with fresh acidity, soft tannins and classic Margaux charm, designed to drink well in its youth.
Vinification & Style
From vineyards in France, Bordeaux, Margaux, around Cantenac, all within the Château d’Issan estate.
2017 is mainly around 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot (technical data: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot), hand‑harvested and vinified by parcel and variety.
Fermentation is traditional in vats with gentle pumping over to preserve fruit and freshness, followed by about 3 weeks maceration and malolactic fermentation, then 14–16 months of aging in French oak barrels with roughly 30–35% new wood.
Tasting Notes
Color: Bright ruby red, typical of Margaux, with good clarity.
Aroma: Red and black fruits—ripe plums, blackcurrant, red berries and hints of peach—alongside notes of chocolate, light toast, vanilla, cedar and a touch of earth and florals; fine and not overpowering.
Palate: Medium‑bodied, round and soft with juicy cherry and cassis, a light earthiness and a note of toast. Fresh acidity keeps it lively; tannins are ripe, silky and slightly savoury. Overall, it shows good structure yet remains accessible and charming, ideal for drinking from youth through the medium term.
Critic Scores & Reviews
James Suckling: 93 points — “Lots of plum and peach character, yet it remains fresh and vivid. Medium to full body, ripe and round tannins with a salty note. Already delicious, but better after two or three years. Try from 2021.”
The Wine Cellar Insider (Jeff Leve): 87 points — “Forward and already approachable. Medium‑bodied with bright, fresh cherry and earthy nuances, all about early‑drinking, elegant, soft‑textured charm.”
Other trade and retailer notes highlight aromas of ripe plums and chocolate, fine and supple tannins, freshness and a touch of toast and floral Margaux elegance—“everything a good second wine should be: tasty, easy to enjoy yet clearly from Margaux.”
Decanting: 15–30 minutes in a decanter or in glass
Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
Food Pairing: Roast spring chicken, soy‑sauce chicken, black pepper beef, grilled lamb chops, roast pigeon, mushroom‑braised beef, red‑wine oxtail, truffle mushroom pasta, semi‑hard cheeses (Comté, Gruyère)
Special Info: As the second wine of the 3ème Grand Cru Classé Château d’Issan, Blason d’Issan benefits from the same team and philosophy but focuses on earlier accessibility. In 2017, despite frost challenges elsewhere, the estate enjoyed a serene harvest under sunny conditions, with small, thick‑skinned berries giving good structure and acidity—making this a very attractive value Margaux.
Origin: France, Bordeaux, Margaux
Type: Red Wine
Grape Variety: Approx. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot (tech sheet: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot)
ABV: About 13%
Volume: 750ml
