2012 d`Issan (Margaux)

A touch of herbaceousness and abundant underbrush characteristics kept my score from going higher. Nevertheless, the wine offers an attractive fragrance of herbs, blue and red fruits and loamy soil undertones. Medium-bodied with an angular mouthfeel, it should drink well for a decade or more. 87-89 points

Cropped between 1st and 17th October, the d’Issan is a blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot cropped at 37hl/ha. It has a tight, quite reticent bouquet – quite stern but focused. This is almost Pauillac in style with a faint tang of seaweed. The palate is medium-bodied with a structured entry. There is a rigid backbone here, again, lending it a Pauillac-like structure with a slight saltiness towards the finish. It needs to offer a little more flesh by the time of bottling. 87-89 points

Deep intense crimson. Sumptuous nose of truffle and fruit. Exquisite wine that melts on the palate and offers a superb array of flavors. Run through with sap and boasting an elegant finish laced with refined tannins. Impossible not to swallow. 90 points