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.
