2010 d'Issan

Excellent quality, totally maintains the character difference between the 2009 and 2010 vintages while delivering excellent in each one. Silky tannins, beautiful spice, chocolate, espresso, smoked caramel, and this will stay on this plateau for decades, just totally classy and easy to recommend. 50% new oak for ageing, 42hl/h yield. Harvest September 27 to October 14. Last time I tasted this, two years ago, it was nowhere near as open as it is today, and this is an upscore.

Inky black cherry in colour, clearly ripe fruit that has been carefully extracted. Tension and precision, with black chocolate, slate, earth, smoked caramel and juicy blackberry fruits. This could be drunk now, but you know it will get better over the next few years or needs a good few hours in the carafe. Not exubertant, but steady power. Harvest September 27 to October 14, yield also 42hl/h.