(JS 97-98 points) Extremely floral and fruity with currants and blackberries. It’s full-bodied and very layered with delicious, dense character. Full-bodied with dusty, layered tannins. Rich, but not heavy. Long and chewy on the finish. 55% cabernet sauvignon, 39% merlot, 3% cabernet franc, 2% petit verdot and 1% malbec.

A successful wine that has lived up to En Primeur promise. The emphasis remains on texture and depth, velvety tannins, perfumed violets, rose and raspberry leaf aromatics, slate, crushed rocks, serious at first then softening to show raspberry puree and smoked blackcurrant fruits. Cocoa dusting on the finish and clear spice, a little austere right now. The terroirs of the newly-purchased Château Pontac Lynch are in this Issan vintage, meaning the blend uses five grape varieties for first time. Not easy to add these distinctive varieties while maintaining the elegant, finessed style of this estate, but it works. 50% new oak, 38hl/h yield.

The 2020 Château D'Issan is a stunningly good Margaux, and this is another estate that seems to producer brilliant wines every vintage. Pulling from 51.04 hectares of vines and a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, the rest Petit Verdot and Malbec, it's a selection of just 45% of the total production and spent 18 months in 50% new and 50% once-used French oak. Beautiful, spiced-laced red and black fruits, chocolate, smoked tobacco, and incense notes define the aromatics. These carry to a medium to full-bodied restrained, elegant 2020 with terrific mid-palate density, ripe, velvety tannins, and terrific overall balance. This is one of those beautiful, classic wines that grows on you with time in the glass, and hats off to Emmanuel Cruse for yet another incredible wine. It's going to evolve for another 25-30 years if well-stored.

Lifted on the nose, with purity and freshness on the palate. Floral, red cherry fruit, refined and classy yet firm tannins. There is a precision here which makes the wine seem almost delicate, but there is plenty of ageing potential. Just 1% Malbec was used in the blend but it appears to have added an extra dimension. Harvested 17 September to 2 October. The château celebrates its 400th Anniversary in 2026, however there is nothing old-fashioned about D'Issan 2020.

he first vintage to include 5 Bordeaux varietals in the blend starts out with violets, forest floor, spice, plums, currants, cherries, mint, and a hint of pepper on the nose. Vibrant red fruits, silky tannins, sweetness, and purity in the fruits are easy to discern on the palate. The elegant finish lingers, which is a good thing, as you are going to finish the bottle far too quickly. Tasting 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, and now 2020 over the years is going to be a lot of fun. But I warn you, it will be difficult to pick a favorite. Though, today, there is a good possibility that the 2020, due to the inclusion of the new grape sources is going to be at the head of the class. Drink from 2025-2055. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/search-wine-tasting-notes/?szSearch=2020%20d%27Issan

(WE 93–95 points) The walled vineyard of Issan has produced a beautifully elegant wine. It has structure while bringing out bright berry fruits and already integrated acidity. The wine has all the elements for long-term aging. - Roger Voss

(94+ points) A very strong effort for this estate, the 2020 D'Issan wafts from the glass with aromas of dark berries and cassis mingled with notions of violets and licorice. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and vibrant, with good depth at the core, refined tannins and a penetrating finish, it's an elegant, perfumed Margaux that's built to age with grace. - William Kelley

The 2020 Château d'Issan has a gorgeous, perfumed, floral bouquet with mainly red berry fruit, rose petal and hints of violet. The palate is medium-bodied, very focused and linear, with fine tannins. It perhaps needs a little more density toward the finish. There is a little bitterness on the aftertaste, yet that just lends tension and nerve. Lovely. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. -- Neal Martin