Blason d'Issan 2016: Margaux with crunchy tannins
The second wine of Chateau Issan, Blazon d'Issan, is a red wine produced in the Margaux appellation. With vines averaging 35 years of age, the 44-hectare vineyard grows in gravel ridges and alluvial hills. The wine is aged in barrels with 35% of it in new barrels. The Blazon d'Issan 2016 is a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Similar to the estate’s first wine, the Blazon d'Issan took advantage of exceptional climatic conditions. There were many contrasting weather patterns throughout the year. There was a lot of rain from January 1 to the beginning of June, but the vines could miraculously flower due to a window of good weather that extended into a hot and dry summer. The rains on September 13 cooled the temperature that helped the grapes balance their ripening. The warm autumn that followed brought large day and night time variations, so the berries could perfectly ripen before the harvest. The harvest went perfectly from September 29 to October 19.
The Blason d'Issan 2016 gives off a light nose of black fruit (blackberry) and oaky notes (autumn leaves). The wine is medium-bodied on the palate and offers crunchy, ripe tannins.
Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Blason d'Issan features cassis, plums and earth on the nose with an undercurrent of bay leaves and tobacco. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm and grainy with good concentration and length.