This property continues to reassert itself, with a renewed commitment to quality. The 1996 d'Issan has turned out beautifully in bottle. It exhibits a dark ruby/purple color as well as an elegant, floral, blackberry, and smoky-scented nose. The wine is medium-bodied and complex in the mouth, with subtle new oak, gorgeously ripe, sweet black currant fruit, and well-integrated tannin and acidity. This quintessential Margaux-styled wine is elegant and rich. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2020.

Tobacco, berry and cedar aromas. Full-bodied, with sour cherry flavors and a cedary, tobacco aftertaste. Hasn't held up that well.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Drink now. 10,000 cases made. -JS