Château d'Issan 2016

Origin and background

The 2016 vintage benefited from an exceptional climate in Bordeaux, with a hot, dry summer followed by a long, cool autumn, ideal for optimal ripening. Château d'Issan, planted on a gravelly terroir typical of Margaux, was able to produce a wine combining power, finesse and elegance, perfectly reflecting the character of its vintage.

Tasting

Colour: Deep red with purple highlights.

Nose: Complex and elegant. Aromas of ripe black fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry), red fruit (black cherry), floral notes (violet), sweet spices (pepper, liquorice) and fine woody nuances (cedar, vanilla).

Palate: Full, silky attack. Fine, well-structured tannins give it good staying power. Well-balanced, dense mid-palate, with well-integrated freshness and pure fruit expression. Long, harmonious finish, marked by spicy and mineral notes.

Review

- Wine Advocate: 94/100

- Vinous (Neal Martin): 93/100

- James Suckling: 94/100

Suggested pairings

Pairs perfectly with grilled or roasted red meats (fillet of beef, entrecôte, rib steak), roast or stewed lamb, roast poultry (guinea fowl, duck) and rich stews. Also good with mature hard cheeses (Comté, Parmesan) and slightly blue-veined cheeses (Fourme d'Ambert, Bleu d'Auvergne).