2015 Chateau d'Issan

FRIARWOOD SAYS
"The 2015 Château d'Issan is a quintessential Margaux, offering a beautiful expression of the estate's historic terroir. With its balance of elegance, structure, and aromatic complexity, it is a wine that embodies both sophistication and timeless appeal."

ABOUT THE WINE
Château d'Issan is one of the most prestigious estates in the Margaux appellation, with a winemaking legacy dating back to 1152. Renowned for producing elegant and age-worthy wines, the château is a Grand Cru Classé from the 1855 classification. The 2015 vintage is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot, crafted from vines averaging 35 years old. Aged for 16 to 18 months in French oak barrels (50% new), this vintage benefited from the exceptional growing conditions of 2015, which delivered ripe, concentrated fruit and impeccable balance.

TASTING NOTES
The 2015 Château d'Issan is a deep garnet colour, revealing an enticing bouquet of blackberries, dark cherries, and plums, interwoven with notes of violets, cedar, and a hint of graphite. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, with a silky texture and fine-grained tannins. Flavours of ripe black fruits, chocolate, and spices are layered with undertones of tobacco and earthiness, leading to a long, elegant finish with remarkable balance and finesse.

FOOD PAIRING
A versatile companion to fine dining, the 2015 Château d'Issan pairs beautifully with roast lamb, beef Wellington, or duck confit. Its refined character also complements hard cheeses such as aged Comté or Parmesan, and it makes a wonderful match for earthy dishes like mushroom risotto or truffle pasta.