Blended of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2006 Cos d'Estournel is deep garnet colored with a touch of brick, opening with enticing scents of rosemary-crusted roast lamb, dried cherries, baked blackcurrants and mincemeat pie with touches of fallen leaves, cigar box and pencil lead. Medium-bodied, lively and elegantly played in the mouth, it has a firm backbone of chewy tannins and plenty of mineral accents on the long finish.- LPB

Dark peppery spice is evident, this is still in an edgy phase, with tannins that are bristling and powerful ending with a juicy finish, even a touch of salinity. Remains young at 15 years old and would need a good carafing before drinking, but has plenty of power and definition, and will soften over the next few years.

This shows a perfumed and sweet tobacco character on the nose that is very enticing with a shiitake mushroom undertone. Full body, firm tannins and a savory, chocolate, meat and spice character. Has the firmness of the 2006s. Drink or hold.

Continuing to soften and fill out, the wine is in its drinking window. The nose shows floral, cherry and tobacco notes. The palate is refined, fresh and fruity even if it lacks density. This should be a treat for 2 decades or longer. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2006&wine=Chateau%20d%27Issan

An intense, tight wine, with stalky black currant fruit. It exhibits delicacy and elegance rather than power. Fresh fruit with an attractive smoky element make this a wine that is going to develop further, and it has a fresh, vibrant finish. — Roger Voss

The 2006 Château d’Issan is a very strong example of this very good vintage, wafting from the glass in a fine aromatic mix of cassis, blackberries, cigar smoke, a nice touch of fresh herbs, tobacco leaf, dark soil tones and new wood. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, complex and properly reserved for a young and serious claret, with a good core, ripe tannins and a long, well-balanced and utterly classic finish. The cépages here in 2006 was thirty-one percent merlot and sixty-nine percent cabernet sauvignon. All this lovely vintage of d’Issan needs is a bit more time in the cellar. 2018-2050. 91+

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JK2k40XlB_U"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JK2k40XlB_U" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"></embed></object> Black/purple core with a fuchsia rim that fades to clear. Light dill over blackberry raspberry plum and hints of honeycomb and milk chocolate on the nose are followed by light orange zest and wet stone. Medium fruit and tannic structure up front although a little austere on the mid-palate. Finishes with good balanced of fruit and tannin yet fades a little quickly. Tasted twice with consistent notes.