Château d’Issan Margaux Grand Cru Classé from the NEW 2023 vintage.
Wine Name: Château d’Issan Margaux Grand Cru Classé 2023
Region: Margaux, Bordeaux, France
Classification: Grand Cru Classé (1855 Classification)
Grape Varieties: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 2.5% Cabernet Franc, 2.5% Petit Verdot
Alcohol: 14% ABV
Maturation: 18 months in French oak barrels of which a very large part is new.
Critical Acclaim: 96–97 points – James Suckling
Tasting Note:
The 2023 Château d’Issan is a benchmark Margaux, marrying classic Left Bank structure with modern finesse. A wine of remarkable aromatic purity, it opens with a lifted bouquet of blackcurrant, wild raspberry, and blood orange peel, layered with subtle floral notes and crushed herbs. The palate is full-bodied and powerful, yet impeccably balanced, featuring fine-grained, powdery tannins and a spine of bright acidity that lends drive and clarity.
Despite its intensity, the wine remains elegant and linear, with a precision that reflects the estate’s historic terroir and meticulous winemaking. The texture is beautifully silky, offering a long, juicy finish that lingers with notes of graphite and spice. This Grand Cru Classé is built for long-term aging—15 to 25 years—yet shows remarkable approachability in its youth with proper decanting.
Pair it with filet mignon, roast venison, or truffle risotto for a gastronomic experience that matches its pedigree. The 2023 Château d’Issan is a masterclass in balance, precision, and Margaux elegance.
