Château d'Issan 2025

Tasting notes and recommendations for Château d'Issan 2025

Tasting

This vintage reveals itself as concentrated, refined, and perfectly harmonious. It offers a polished depth supported by a particularly elegant tension, making it already highly appealing in its youth.

A great Margaux wine with vibrant elegance

The estate
Located on the banks of the Gironde, the Château d'Issan stands as a key reference within the Bordeaux vineyard. This historic estate covers 68 hectares of vines. Today, this classified growth is managed by the Cruse family, present since 1945, and Jacky Lorenzetti, co-owner since 2013. Under the general management of Emmanuel Cruse, the château continues to shine through its excellence, combining a rich centuries-old heritage with highly precise viticultural practices.

The vineyard
Located in the heart of the Margaux appellation, the terroir benefits from a privileged geographical position on the 45th parallel, in close proximity to the Gironde estuary, which acts as a natural thermal regulator. The vines thrive on well-drained gravel soils at the surface, resting on a clay-limestone subsoil. The estate places great importance on its environment, integrating practices that respect biodiversity and natural cycles. The year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of the Cruse family at the head of the estate.

The vintage

The growing season unfolded with great regularity: budbreak on March 30, even flowering on May 29, followed by mid-veraison observed on July 28. This smooth progression allowed the vine to develop without excessive stress. A hot, dry summer provided ideal conditions, leading to an early harvest of remarkable quality. Supported by soils capable of preserving freshness, the vines passed through the summer with complete serenity. The slow, even ripening of the berries heralds wines of great purity, with vibrant aromatic expression, supported by elegant tension and refined depth.

Winemaking and ageing
The harvest was carried out entirely by hand, ensuring each berry was picked at optimal ripeness. After rigorous double manual and optical sorting, the grapes undergo parcel-by-parcel vinification in 53 temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. The process is monitored with extreme precision, including gentle pump-overs, strict temperature control, and daily tastings. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels, 50% of which are new.

Grape varieties
This Château d'Issan 2025 is made from a blend of 64% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 2% cabernet franc, 2% malbec and 2% petit verdot.