92 pts - Wine Advocate
A wonderful success of the vintage, the 2008 d'Issan exhibits a dark plum/garnet/purple color as well as abundant aromas of flowers, Asian spices, jammy plums and black currants. Broad, savory and medium to full-bodied with sweet tannin and an evolved, already delicious, complex style, this cuvee will age nicely for 10-15 years. - WA, RP (5/2011)
92 pts - Vinous
The 2008 d’Issan has a fragrant bouquet with pretty blackberry, briary, cedar and crushed rose petal scents that unfolds nicely in the glass. It is not a powerful Margaux, yet it is very well defined, "correct" in style. The palate is medium-bodied with supple, quite rounded tannin. This is well balanced with plenty of freshness, crisp and taut and offers a tang of spice towards the finish. This 2008 is evolving with style and panache, drinkable now but probably offering another decade of drinking pleasure. (Tasted at the château and at BI Wine & Spirits’ annual vertical tasting.)- Neal Martin (02/2018)