Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Dark Ruby color with aromas of berry fruit with earthy spice tones. On the palate cherry and blackberry flavors with pepper spice, tobacco and cacao on fine dusty tannins. Medium+ finish, nice mouthfeel, ending with fruit and an oak mineral character. — 10 days ago

Matt Ragan

9.3

Leathery, deep, delish — a month ago

Bob Yoon

9.2

Started the night with a $6 Sauvignon Blanc from the same maker. Just fantastic. At the end of the night, I ask for a good dessert wine and I get this 12 year old late harvest semillon grown in gravel. Unfiltered deliciousness. — a month ago

Carter White

9.2

Racy with some grip, good fruit/mineral combo — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Blason d’Issan – Margaux 2010
Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
Second wine of Château d’Issan (a 3rd Growth Grand Cru Classé), this Margaux reflects the finesse and elegance of its prestigious sibling at a more approachable level. The 2010 vintage is composed of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Merlot, delivering structure, freshness, and the signature grace of the appellation.

Aromas & Flavors
Dark red fruits, cassis, and plum supported by notes of cedar, graphite, and dried violets. Subtle earthy undertones round out the bouquet.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with silky tannins, still carrying freshness and vibrancy. The fruit remains integrated with a polished balance, showing that the wine has aged beautifully without losing Margaux’s hallmark delicacy.

Food Pairing
Perfect alongside roasted lamb, duck breast, or a classic beef tenderloin. Its elegance also pairs nicely with mushroom risotto or aged Comté.

The Verdict
A graceful, approachable Bordeaux that demonstrates how even the second labels from Margaux can age impressively. Still drinking beautifully today, with finesse and balance that embody the spirit of Margaux.

Personal Pick Highlight
One of my favorite “second labels” from Bordeaux — proof that patience rewards, as this bottle aged with remarkable elegance and still charms after more than a decade. Also, the 2010 vintage, a benchmark year in Bordeaux, lends added structure and longevity. Cheers! — 21 days ago

Carter White

9.5

Apricot, honey, super concentrated and intense. — a month ago

Timothy Eustis

Wine Director, Red Lion Inn

9.1

Light nose. Pretty on palate with lots of purple fruit. Un ripe red or black cherries. Polished tannins. Elegant 2008 — 2 months ago

Kerri

9.2

One of my favorites from Provence, mineral but a juicy note with peach and strawberry, crisp and light — a month ago

Robert Torretti

9.5

What a great wine! Pinot Noir from the Cote Champenois. Very mineral, with some nice red fruit on the palate. You can taste where a Blanc de Noir gets its profile from in this wine. Great to have this “Grand Cru” with some age on it (9 years). I picked up two bottles up in the silent bid auction of the 2025 Wine on Wheels event. Such a lucky buy. Enjoyed with home cooked grilled lamb, sautéed mushrooms with a Sherry reduction, asparagus and wild rice medley. Pretty good, although probably a touch better with something more along the lines of poultry (roast chicken or duck, maybe turkey). — 3 days ago

Edwin Lu

8.9

price is right, taste is right, great wine for a summer day — 2 months ago