Château d’Issan 2002 is a classic, mature Margaux, offering aromas of cassis, blackberry and dried flowers, layered with notes of tobacco, spice, menthol and subtle chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is elegant and savoury, with soft, refined tannins and bright acidity bringing freshness and lift. Nicely evolved yet still structured, it finishes silky and persistent with a touch of earthy complexity, showcasing the charm and finesse of a well-aged Margaux.

Decanter | D 91
Published: Dec 12, 2019
Drink: 2020-2038

High Cabernet Sauvignon levels come through in the focus on black fruit, with cassis, bilberry and blackberry bud that are edged with spice and clear menthol. It still feels pretty tight in its tannic structure. The aromatics are also very high, and have kept their impact. It has bright acidity and a juicy finish with a lot more life and interest than a great many Bordeaux 2002s. It's not exactly generous but with zip and power that puts it above many (perhaps because Margaux was one of the areas that managed to avoid the worst of the rain). New cellars in this vintage.
Closure: Natural Cork
Alcohol: 12.50%
Body: Full
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 78% Cabernet Sauvignon 22% Merlot

James Suckling | JS 90
Published: Mar 13, 2015

Delicious to drink now with tobacco, chocolate and spice character. Black olives too. Full body, soft tannins and a savory finish. Sweet tobacco finish with some coffee. Drink now.

The Wine Advocate | RP 89
Published: Apr 29, 2005
Drink: 2005-2017

A fine effort, this medium-bodied, floral and cassis-scented and flavored wine is quintessential Margaux. Elegant, with impressive flavors, concentration, a deep ruby/purple-tinged color, excellent purity, and a long silky finish, it begs for consumption over the next 10-12 years.

Chateau-issan.com

Château d’Issan is a Third Growth of the 1855 Imperial Classification. The wine is made from the old vines in the Château d’Issan enclosure in the middle of the Margaux appellation. The soil here is mainly made up of surface gravel on top of a clay subsoil, which contributes to optimal ripeness and freshness in our two grape varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Château d’Issan expresses the exquisite bouquet so characteristic of Margaux, and stands out with its suppleness, subtlety, elegance and long keeping potential that come from its unique terroir. Château d’Issan is aged in barrels for 16 to 18 months, half of which are new. Annual production is around 100,000 bottles.