Chateau d'Issan Margaux 2018 Grand Cru Classe

About This Wine

Crowned as James Suckling's top-ranked wine in his celebrated 2025 Top 100 list (2020 Vintage).

"Aromas of blackberry, plum, cocoa, iodine, clove and graphite. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, silky tannins. Tightly wound and mineral at the moment, with dusty gravel and graphite notes, yet with focus and precision. Such balance and harmony for the vintage. Try from 2025." - James Suckling

This vintage is notable for a new, more complex blend, as it was the first time the château incorporated all five Bordeaux grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. The result is a wine praised for its elegance, freshness, and purity. On the palate, it's often described as creamy, deep, and refined, with flavors of ripe, sweet red and black fruits, floral notes (violets, lilacs), and hints of spice, licorice, and cocoa. The tannins are typically soft, silky, and well-integrated, providing structure and a long, vibrant finish. While approachable, this is a vintage with excellent aging potential.

Score

96 points, James Suckling.