BLASON D’ISSAN 2017

2017

Historic Terroir

Protected by the wall

Winter was dry and cold, so the vines hibernated peacefully. A lovely warm spring stimulated early budding. In Bordeaux on April 27th and 28th, there were heavy frosts, but the d’Issan “clos” was fortunately spared. The wall surrounding the estate was built in 1644. Being located close to the Gironde Estuary means that our terroir enjoys outstanding geological features and an unparalleled microclimate. Thanks to these conditions our vines were not affected by the series of cold spells that hit the region.

Record flowering

Also due to the conditions, flowering was seamless and over in less than a week, uniformly and simultaneously in our two varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. At this point, we estimated the vines to be two weeks ahead of their usual growth calendar. The vintage seemed it was going to be an early one! Very hot weather in June kept the vines still ahead of the average. Much-needed rain at the beginning of July led to a gradual, continuous onset of ripening.

Mid-veraison was reached on July 25th.

Earliest harvest since 2003

The Merlot were harvested between September 18th and 27th. The Cabernet Sauvignon were picked between September 25th and October 3rd. Since flowering was so short and homogeneous, harvesting was the earliest since 2003. The grapes that were picked were lovely and fruity, and very ripe with silky, classy tannins.

Blending

Blending was finished by mid-January with nicely balanced selections. Château d’Issan 2017 is comparable to no other vintage, but remains completely loyal to the true expression of its historic terroir – that is the magic of its “Clos”.

Harvest from September 18th  to October 3rd

RATINGS

• The Wine Independent: 88