Wines Margaux Château Issan - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Château Issan 2022 is an illustrious Grand Cru Classé from the prestigious Margaux appellation in Bordeaux’s Médoc region. The wine is predominantly crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, typifying the château’s classical blend. The 2022 vintage benefited from warm conditions, delivering grapes of excellent ripeness and concentration. Ageing takes place in French oak barrels, imparting subtle spice and polish to the wine’s rich, complex structure. In the glass, it reveals a deep garnet robe, while the bouquet is intensely perfumed with layers of cassis, violets, graphite and a hint of truffle. On the palate, you can expect supple tannins, refined acidity and remarkable freshness, supporting flavours of dark berries, cedarwood, tobacco and touches of mocha.

Margaux is celebrated as the most feminine of the Médoc’s great communes, with its gravelly soils particularly well-suited to Cabernet Sauvignon. The gravel, mixed with clay and limestone, ensures excellent drainage and warmth, fostering elegance and aromatic finesse in the wines. The appellation enjoys a temperate maritime climate, with the Gironde estuary moderating temperature extremes and protecting vines from frost. The history of Château Issan stretches back to the 12th century, and its inclusion in the 1855 classification further cements its reputation for longevity and sophistication. Margaux as a whole is famed for wines of seductive perfume, balance and textural depth.

Château Issan 2022’s finesse calls for dishes that complement rather than overwhelm its character. Prime pairings include classic French fare such as duck breast with blackberry sauce or entrecôte bordelaise. For regional affinity, consider roast lamb with rosemary and garlic or confit de canard. The wine’s poised tannins and aromatic complexity also lend themselves beautifully to hard cheeses like aged Comté or Ossau-Iraty.

For optimal enjoyment, decant Château Issan 2022 for at least one hour to allow its aromas to unfold fully. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C to accentuate its freshness and layered flavours. While already charming in youth, it will undoubtedly reward patient cellaring, evolving gracefully over the next two decades.