France Bordeaux Margaux Chateau d'Issan

Château d’Issan 2023: A Promising Vintage

Amidst the buzz of Bordeaux's En Primeur campaign, Château d’Issan unveils its highly anticipated 2023 vintage, marked by a significant decrease in price compared to its predecessor.

Priced at EUR 37.20 per bottle ex-négociant, the 2023 release reflects a notable 27.1% reduction from the 2022 offering, demonstrating the estate's commitment to accessibility without compromising quality.

Internationally, the wine is being offered at GBP 450 (EUR 524) per 12×75 bottle case, representing a 26.5% decrease from the previous year's opening price. Despite this reduction, the 2023 release stands as one of the most sought-after offerings on the market, underscoring its enduring appeal among connoisseurs and collectors alike.

Critical reception of the 2023 d’Issan has been overwhelmingly positive, with esteemed critics praising its potential and character. William Kelley of The Wine Advocate awards it an impressive barrel score of 93-95 points, citing its excellent potential to evolve and mature gracefully over time. Similarly, James Lawther MW of Jancis Robinson acknowledges its austere charm, suggesting that it will benefit from further aging to reveal its full potential.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown of The Wine Independent echoes this sentiment, lauding the wine's expressive flavors and spicy accents, despite its initial reticence. Meanwhile, Jane Anson commends its construction and balance, bestowing it with a commendable score of 95 points.

Antonio Galloni of Vinous describes the 2023 d’Issan as a "rich, muscular Margaux," awarding it 93-95 points and emphasizing its depth and complexity. However, Neal Martin of Vinous offers a slightly more reserved assessment, awarding it 91-93 points and suggesting that other recent vintages may exhibit a touch more complexity.

In terms of pricing analysis, the 2023 release falls above the Fair Value regression line according to the Liv-ex Fair Value methodology. However, buyers seeking value in back vintages have several enticing options available. The 2017 and 2019 vintages, both receiving acclaim and offering Fair Value, present compelling choices at discounted rates compared to the 2023 release.

Source: Liv-ex

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