Chateau Blason D' Issan Margaux

Blason d’Issan Margaux is the elegant Second Wine of Château d’Issan, the historic Third Growth estate of the Margaux appellation. Created in 1995 to provide an earlier-drinking expression of the château’s terroir, Blason d’Issan is produced from selected parcels within the Margaux vineyard and emphasizes supple fruit, floral aromatics, freshness, and refined tannins. The currently bottled 2023 vintage blends 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, and 3% Malbec, is bottled at 13.94% ABV, and is matured with approximately 35% new French oak.

Process & Profile

Blason d’Issan was introduced as Château d’Issan’s second wine to allow stricter selection for the estate’s Grand Vin while creating a Margaux that can be enjoyed earlier in its life. It comes from selected vineyard parcels within the Margaux appellation and retains the perfume and elegance associated with Château d’Issan while expressing a rounder, more immediately approachable style.

For the 2023 vintage, the blend is 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, and 3% Malbec. Cabernet Sauvignon contributes cassis, structure, graphite, and freshness; Merlot provides plush red and black fruit and a softer mid-palate; while the small portion of Malbec adds additional color, fruit intensity, and aromatic depth. The finished wine measures 13.94% alcohol, with a pH of 3.50.

Blason d’Issan is traditionally matured for approximately 14 to 16 months in French oak barrels, with around 35% new oak. This measured élevage adds cedar, spice, and subtle toasted complexity while preserving the wine’s fruit and floral Margaux character. Annual production is approximately 100,000 bottles.

In the glass, the 2023 offers expressive aromas of red berries, dark berries, dried flowers, rose petals, and subtle herbs, with additional hints of cherry, cassis, cedar, and spice. The floral character provides classic Margaux lift while darker fruit gives the wine depth and concentration.

The palate is medium-to-full-bodied, juicy, and finely textured, with red cherry, blackberry, blackcurrant, and plum supported by fresh acidity and smooth tannins. A chalky mineral character runs through the wine, while notes of mint, cedar, gentle spice, and restrained oak add complexity.

The finish is fresh and polished, with lingering red fruit, dark berries, mint, floral notes, and fine mineral tension. The balance of Cabernet freshness and Merlot softness makes Blason d’Issan approachable earlier than the Grand Vin while still providing enough structure for several years of cellar development.

What makes Blason d’Issan Margaux especially compelling is its connection to one of Bordeaux’s historic classified-growth estates combined with a more accessible drinking style. It receives careful parcel selection and barrel maturation while emphasizing round fruit, finesse, freshness, and early drinkability rather than the longer aging curve of Château d’Issan itself.

The 2023 vintage earned 94–95 points from James Suckling, who highlighted its fruit concentration, velvety tannins, full body, and energetic finish. Decanter awarded 91 points, emphasizing its floral character, ripe dark fruit, chalky minerality, and Cabernet-driven freshness.

Serve at approximately 16–18°C / 60–64°F. Young bottles can benefit from 30–60 minutes of decanting. It pairs beautifully with roast lamb, duck breast, beef tenderloin, mushroom risotto, veal, roast poultry, and mature cheeses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Blason d’Issan?
Blason d’Issan is the Second Wine of Château d’Issan, produced within the Margaux appellation. It was created in 1995 to offer an earlier-drinking expression of the château’s vineyard and terroir.

What are the key specs of Blason d’Issan 2023?
The 2023 vintage is 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 48% Merlot, and 3% Malbec, bottled at 13.94% ABV. The wine is matured in barrel with approximately 35% new French oak.

What flavors characterize Blason d’Issan Margaux?
Expect red cherry, blackberry, cassis, plum, rose petals, dried flowers, mint, herbs, cedar, spice, and chalky mineral notes, supported by velvety tannins and fresh acidity.

How should you enjoy Blason d’Issan?
Serve around 60–64°F / 16–18°C. Younger bottles benefit from brief aeration and pair especially well with lamb, duck, beef, mushrooms, roast poultry, and mature cheeses.

What makes Blason d’Issan special?
Its distinction comes from being the Second Wine of a historic 1855 Third Growth Margaux estate, combining careful vineyard selection, traditional barrel maturation, Cabernet-Merlot structure, and the floral finesse associated with Margaux. It offers much of Château d’Issan’s character in a softer, more immediately approachable style.