Description
By now, everyone should know the warm and dry 2022 Bordeaux vintage will forever be considered as one of the greatest produced. Many of world’s most renown critics are comparing it to the now legendary 1982 vintage. Up until a week ago the highly regarded 2022 Chateau d’Issan, which is a 3rd Growth Grand Cru Classe from the Margaux appellation, was still somewhat available to find. And then it happened!
James Suckling, who began reviewing wine at Wine Spectator in 1981 and rose to become its European Bureau Chief and Senior Editor, left in 2010 to launch his own website. Since then he has garnered over 4 million followers. So it should come as no surprise when earlier this month Suckling announced the 2022 Chateau d’Issan as his selection for the #1 “Wine in the World” for 2025. Rated at 98 points.
IT WENT POOF!
BUT WE STASHED SOME AWAY FOR YOU!
“Château d’Issan is a Third Growth of the 1855 Imperial Classification. The wine is made from the old vines in the Château d’Issan enclosure in the middle of the Margaux appellation. The soil here is mainly made up of surface gravel on top of a clay subsoil, which contributes to optimal ripeness and freshness in their two grape varieties, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Château d’Issan expresses the exquisite bouquet so characteristic of Margaux, and stands out with its suppleness, subtlety, elegance and long keeping potential that come from its unique terroir. Château d’Issan is aged in barrels for 16 to 18 months, half of which are new. Blend: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec, 1% Petit Verdot” 14.64% alcohol.
“This is really luxurious, showing blackcurrants and orange peel with cedar and dried-mushroom aromas following through to a medium to full body that grows on the palate. This has crunchy and lightly chewy tannins that are slightly austere but in an elegant, classical Bordeaux way. Chewy at the end. So much energy and vibe. So complex. Probably the greatest wine ever from here. A blend of 65% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 2% cabernet franc, 2% malbec and 1% petit verdot. Best after 2028 but already a joy to taste.” – 98 points, James Suckling
“The 2022 D’Issan has turned out beautifully, wafting from the glass with aromas of minty cassis, rose petals, pencil shavings and vine smoke. Medium to full-bodied, suave and velvety, it’s deep, complex and well-balanced, with a sweet core of fruit and ripe structuring tannins.” – 95 points, Wine Advocate (Robert Parker)