The 2010 Château d’Issan is the Grand Vin from this historic Margaux Third Growth (1855 classification), a wine built in a classic Left Bank register but with Margaux perfume and polish. The blend is reported as 61% Cabernet Sauvignon and 39% Merlot, and one merchant lists alcohol at 13.7% ABV. It comes from the estate’s enclosed “enclos” vineyard in the heart of Margaux, a property long associated with Bordeaux tradition.
Critics broadly agree that 2010 d’Issan combines concentration with freshness and structure. At Wine Spectator, James Molesworth highlights its “grippy, charcoal-laced feel,” with “bay leaf, maduro tobacco and warm stone notes,” calling it “a touch taut” but projecting it to open from 2014 and drink through 2024. That firmness is a recurring theme, though most reviewers see it as a positive feature of the vintage.
Several reviews are excellent, led by multiple 96-point assessments. James Suckling calls it “very rich” and “extremely intense,” with “velvety and chewy tannins,” adding that it is “still extremely powerful and young” and “better after 2023.” Jane Anson (96) is similarly enthusiastic, describing “silky tannins” and a long, composed maturity curve: “this will stay on this plateau for decades… totally classy and easy to recommend.” Anson also provides technical detail: “50% new oak for ageing, 42hl/h yield,” with harvest “September 27 to October 14.”
Decanter (95) frames it as “a great Margaux from this classic vintage,” noting “mineral, lead-pencil notes” and “a very long finish,” with the same harvest dates. Jeb Dunnuck (96) finds it “flawlessly balanced” and “juicy, elegant,” suggesting a 2025–2045 window.
Neal Martin is consistently positive in both his earlier note and at Vinous, emphasizing “iodine and brine,” a “much more refined” palate, and “bewitching symmetry.” Overall, the 2010 reads as a structured, dark-fruited d’Issan with clear Margaux refinement and long-term staying power.
