Issan is one of the oldest châteaux in the Médoc. Certain sources mention the existence of a vineyard here in the 12th century. Built in the 17th century on the site of a fortress dating back to the Hundred Years' War, the present-day château is still surrounded by a moat. Château Issan had a succession of owners between the two World Wars, before the Cruse family, of Danish origin, bought the estate in 1945. The buildings and winemaking facilities were gradually renovated in order to improve the wine's quality.

The 30 hectare vineyard, almost entirely enclosed by walls, has a beautiful terroir composed of Günzian gravel and clay-limestone soil.

Unlike its neighbors, Isaan does not grow any Cabernet Franc.

The estate has been producing fine, supple wines for many years. They are very Margaux in style, despite a rather original blend of grape varieties. Over the past ten years, Emmanuel Cruse has succeeded in making his wine deeper and more textured, with good aging potential.

In the Bottle

Château Issan went through a bad patch from the 80s until the mid 90s.

The 1995 vintage represents a turnaround in quality, and 1996 illustrates the major technical efforts (such as the building of a new vat room) made by Emmanuel Cruse to maximize d'Issan's potential. The estate provided a consistent and very interesting quality/price ratio from then until 2004, producing irreproachable wines at a very reasonable price.

Château d'Issan is a very reliable château. It is going up the quality scale and has everything to become one of the best wines in the Margaux appellation.

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Issan, Blason d'Issan (second wine), Château de Caudale (Haut-Medoc), Moulin d'Issan