TN: 2003 Château d'Issan (France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux)

[robertgoulet]

• 2003 Château d'Issan - France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Margaux (6/16/2012)
  Whoa, this wine completely comes out swinging...this is total nose candy...so sexy...an absolute provocative intoxicating perfume of lushious red fruits and velvety smooth coconut oil. The palate is total margaux-berries...supple, smooth. elegant, soft tannins. An absolute pleasure to drink and another reason why I keep Margaux at the top of my list of favorite communes. (92 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

[JimHow]

Yes, this is a beauty from a property making consistently great wines.

[Blanquito]

The 2000 d'Issan was sensational a few years ago... wonder how it's doing now.

Thanks for the note.

[Houndsong]

But wait, I'm confused, don't we collectively frown on non-northern Medoc 2003s?

From the same appellation/commune, the 2003 Ch. La Tour de Mons is also delicious, and while it is marked by the vintage it tastes like Bordeaux all the way to me.

I've been impressed with most 03s I've had and have picked up more over time. A couple put me off on release but more recent experience tells me not to be afraid of this vintage.

[jmccready]

I tasted the 2000 on March 5, 2011 at a d' Issan tasting. Brief notes said berried nose, evolved and balanced but robust nature suggests at least 5 to 10
more years in cellar. I gave it 4 stars plus with an eventual 5. High 90's I guess. 70%CS/30%Merlot. A definite buy along with 04 and 05.
The 2003 was also tasted and showed quite well for this vintage with a hedonistic nature-early drinking to Emmanuel Cruse.

[robertgoulet]

Was able to pick up a mag here recently of the '99 for $89.... Figured I couldn't go wrong