2021 d'Issan

Redcurrants, red plums, smoked tobacco, and hints of iron, as well as some floral notes, all emerge from the 2021 Château D'Issan, a medium-bodied, pure, focused, elegant Margaux that shines in the vintage due to its balance and seamlessness. It's already up-front and accessible today yet should have 15 years or more of prime drinking. The blend of the 2021 is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and the balance Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot, raised in 50% new oak.

The 2021 d'Issan was matured in 50% new oak and bottled in June. This displays admirable vivacity on the nose, mainly red-fruited, with clove, a touch of mocha and hints of pencil shavings surfacing with time in the glass--well-defined and "correct". The palate is pliant on the entry with a slight creaminess to the texture. Showing red berry fruit, allspice and hints of cinnamon and white pepper, this exerts a gentle grip with quite a persistent aftertaste. Just a bit short and light on the finish, it doesn't have the finesse of the 2019 or 2020, but it has plenty of character and will drink after six or seven years.

The 2021 d’Issan is a pleasant wine, but it is also very light. The lack of mid-palate also attenuates the finish. There's good freshness, but I wish there was more depth and overall textural presence.