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Tasting Notes
Under the Cruse family this property has been on a firm upward trajectory – and the 2023 continues the trend. It’s a concentrated and dark-fruited wine, vibrant and expressive, combining freshness with its lush blackcurrant and tobacco leaf. There’s impressive power behind the fruit, with a firm tannic structure and mouth-watering acidity that fills the finish. In an appellation that provided mixed results in 2023, this is a standout value performer. Aged in 50% new oak with 13.83% alcohol and 3.66pH. Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 2.5% Cabernet Franc, 2.5% Petit Verdot
Critic Scores
Average Score
James Suckling
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Silky, elegance is the hallmark of this wine. It takes only one sip to know this is special. Concentrated, lush, refined, and rich, there is tension paired with layers of sweet, ripe, opulent fruits that linger. The purity in the mid-palate extends through to the rich, plush finish. The wine is made from a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 2.5% Cabernet Franc, and 2.5% Petit Verdot. 13.83% ABV, 3.66 pH. Picking took place September 18 - October 2, making this one of the longest, and latest harvests in the history of the estate.
The 2023 d'Issan is deep garnet-purple in color. Quite closed to start off, it requires a lot of shaking to wake up scents of creme de cassis, plum preserves, and juicy strawberries followed by nuances of menthol, fallen leaves, dried lavender, and Indian spices. The medium-bodied palate is chock full of expressive black and red berry flavors with loads of spicy accents and a fine-grained texture, finishing with a floral lift. The blend is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 2.5% Cabernet Franc, and 2.5% Petit Verdot, aging in 50% new oak, with pH 3.66.
The purity of the fruit is really wonderful here, with blackcurrants, orange peel and raspberries. Aromatic. Full body, chewy tannins and a juicy finish. But it remains linear and vivid. The quality of the tannins and the powdery texture are really alluring. Silky. And so precise. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot, 2.5% cabernet franc and 2.5% petit verdot. 13.83% alcohol. 3.66 pH.
