Can’t wait a decade to drink the 2008 Château D’Issan (also reviewed this week)? Try D’Issan’s second wine, Blason D’Issan. Emmanuel Cruse, whose family owns Château D’Issan, says that the difference between their Grand Vin (Château D’Issan) and Blason is chiefly the age of the vines. For Blason, the vines average 18 years of age and roughly twice that for the first wine. The two are vinified the same way, with the Grand Vin receiving a touch more aging in oak barrels than Blason. In the past, second wines have been relegated to supermarkets of France, but now to export them, they must focus on higher quality. And it shows. While the Blason lacks the complexity of its big brother, it still delivers the plushness and mineraly character of Margaux. The plus side is that the 2008 Blason is more approachable now and would be a good choice with a steak tonight.
