Costing $100, with 12.5% alcohol, the 2002 Chateau D’Issan scored a pleasant 17+ points on the 20-point Dionysian scale. It was much better than the vintage usually shows. This Bordeaux is a Third Growth among the 1855 Classification, and it’s blend is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 22% Merlot, and its charming aromas indicate the Margaux region on the Left Bank, which it is.
The wine seems to have ben made for lamb chops. Nothing else to say. Try a newer one.
It’s only seventeen years old, and I like all Bordeaux, even from light years, to be ten years old. The show oak and dark fruits; black cherry, black raspberry and just starting to show some pleasant smokey notes.
I’ve tasted the 2015 and scored it 18+. See out some Bordeaux to age.
They begin to soften at 10 and can age 30 to 50 years in great vintages. Other Dionysians with me ranked this one as the best of the day out of 12 Bordeaux. In Vino Veritas.
Robert Frank
John, you say “It’s only seven years old, but I like all Bordeaux… to be 10 years old”.
Yet, the d’Issan is 17 years old.
BTW, I’m finding the 2002s are drinking well now, as are the 2001s.