Château d'Issan - Margaux 1996

Wine Advocate

88 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/1999

This property continues to reassert itself, with a renewed commitment to quality. The 1996 d'Issan has turned out beautifully in bottle. It exhibits a dark ruby/purple color as well as an elegant, floral, blackberry, and smoky-scented nose. The wine is medium-bodied and complex in the mouth, with subtle new oak, gorgeously ripe, sweet black currant fruit, and well-integrated tannin and acidity. This quintessential Margaux-styled wine is elegant and rich. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2020.

Wine Spectator

90 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe1/31/1999

Plenty of blackberry, currant and cherry character. Medium- to full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, fruity aftertaste. A mellow and well-defined '96. One of the best Issans in ages. Best after 2000. 10,000 cases made.

Wine Advocate

87-89 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe2/28/1998

Perhaps a breakthrough effort for this beautiful, moated chateau in the Margaux appellation, the 1996 has fleshed out and put on more weight without losing any of its quintessentially elegant, finesse-styled character. The wine exhibits a deep purple color, and a pretty, cherry, cassis, and floral-scented nose with subtle new oak in the background. In the mouth, there is an ephemeral lightness of being, yet wonderfully intense fruit, excellent purity, and a graceful, stylish personality. This wine is intense, yet at the same time delicate. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2015.

Wine Advocate

85-87 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe4/30/1997

One of the better D'Issan's I have tasted over recent years, the 1996 offers a dark ruby/purple color, as well as a sweet nose of cassis and spring flowers. Although this wine will never be muscular or exceptionally concentrated, it is stylish, elegant, and well-crafted with fine harmony among its structural components (acidity, extract, alcohol, and tannin). It should be drinkable early. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2012.