One of 14 “third growths” in the 1855 classification, Château d’Issan was purchased in 1945 by the Cruse family, longtime Bordeaux landowners and negociants.
At present, the property is in the hands of the third generation—Emmanuel Cruse took over the reins as general manager in 1998 at the age of 30, and since then he has spearheaded a dramatic rise in quality, garnering the attention and respect due a cru classé. The reputation of the wine dates from long before the 19th century. It was reported to have been served at the wedding of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henri Plantagenet, future King of England on 18th May 1152.
The Haut Médoc, like the Margaux bottling, is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with a complement of Merlot. Elegant, suave, and firmly structured, the wine shows the true quality of the terroir. Not a second wine from younger vines, this is produced from a separate vineyard with Haut Médoc designation.
