October 16, 2023 - PnP showed some tightness of bouquet ad taste. Evolved very quickly. Bouquet and taste became more rich than previous bottles of d'Issan Grand Vin back through 1966 vintage. My guess is more and/or riper Merlot. Both of us thought it was fully mature. Classic Margaux elegance in a second wine profile without the complexity of a Grand Vin. First of 4 cellared since release -- will finish others in the next year or two. Fine with roast "Cornish game hen".
January 2, 2022 - Dark purple. Smooth and big. Better night two. Dark cherry, blackberry and plum on the palate.
January 20, 2021 - Silky smooth, almost frictionless. Dark plum. Appears to be right smack in the drinking window. For a second wine, this is a strong effort.
April 11, 2020 - I opened the wrong bottle!!!!! I was meant to be doing my annual test of where the 05s are with a bottle of d’issan. The wine was opened a few hours before drinking and triple decanted expecting the usual oomph. But No in fact not what I was expecting. Fruity, smooth, gentle in fact quite lovely!!!! But equally not the length or complexity I was expecting - and I have 21 bottles of d’issan. Anyway my wife and I tuck in and it is a very nice tipple which is going down very easily. Then I happen to glance at the bottle again and notice “Blason”...... �� quite amusing. Anyway for a second wine this is simply lovely. May crack open the proper one now!!!!!
September 5, 2019 - This was a very pretty, intact, complex bottle. Deep ruby/light purple color. Lovely aromas of black cherries, red and black currants, sweet yet tangy, with cocoa, earth, anise, cedar and clove. Lush and sweet tannins, still solid grip, fresh acidity keeps it tied up well. Dark plums, currants, sweet yet tangy fruit, laced with mint, cocoa, anise, earthy, tobacco. Lovely concentration, still going, very impressive. I wasn't sure what to expect, but this was lovely.
December 23, 2018 - Winespectator
June 16, 2018 - My Grade: EX. Into its drinking window now and showing well. Nose of blackberry, dark cherry, vanilla, cedar and spice. Svelt and elegant palate, still has plenty of fruit, silky tannins, acidity right where you want it, long and lush finish. Excellent second-wine, makes me really wish I'd bought more of the Grand Vin (see my profile for grades).
December 4, 2016 - Very impressive. Thick, with plenty of complexity and farmyard aroma. Thumbs up
October 14, 2016 - in good shape right now and doubt any further improvement
initial anger settled down in a few minutes
demure fruit combined with french earth
pretty darn delicious with steaks on the grill
April 4, 2015 - This is very enjoyable wine that starts to shine after an hour of air. A subtle wine that delivers a medium body and hints of what the grand vin will taste like. Soft and velvety on the tongue with a mellow finish.