Château d’Issan 2025

Château d'Issan is one of the oldest estates in Margaux, in the Médoc on the left bank of Bordeaux, set on a bank where the Gironde estuary moderates the climate and protects the vines from frost. The classic Margaux soil is deep gravel over clay and limestone, which drains freely and reflects warmth back onto the fruit, helping Cabernet Sauvignon ripen its tannins in this cooler northern climate. The blend is led by Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot for flesh and smaller parts of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot for perfume, colour and spine. After fermentation the wine ages in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange and malolactic conversion soften the structure and add cedar and spice. The colour is deep ruby. The nose is restrained and precise, with dark chocolate, blackcurrant leaf and redcurrant lifting from the glass, framed by tobacco and earth. The palate is medium to full bodied, elegant rather than heavy, with fine tannins, fresh acidity and a long savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees and decant an hour or two ahead. It suits roast lamb, beef and game.