{"title":"Moulin d'Issan","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"moulin-dissan","title":"Moulin d'Issan","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMoulin d'Issan\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Merlot-dominant Bordeaux Supérieur red wine from Château d'Issan, bottled at 13% ABV in a standard 750ml format. As the fourth wine in the Château d'Issan portfolio — a renowned Third Growth (Troisième Cru Classé) estate in Margaux — it delivers a genuine taste of Left Bank pedigree at an accessible tier, with the 2019 vintage earning a 90-point average critic score.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13%  |  Origin: Bordeaux Supérieur AOC, France  |  Style: Merlot-Dominant Red Blend  |  Producer: Château d'Issan, Margaux\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eChâteau d'Issan is one of Bordeaux's most storied estates, classified as a Third Growth in 1855 and bearing the Latin motto \u003cem\u003eRegum Mensis Ararumque Deorum\u003c\/em\u003e — \"For the tables of Kings and the altars of Gods.\" Moulin d'Issan takes its name from the ruins of a 17th-century windmill that still stands in the middle of the vineyard, a visible link to the estate's deep history. The blend is 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon — an unusually Merlot-heavy proportion for a wine originating from the Médoc — grown on mainly clayey limestone soils and aged for 14 months in French oak barrels, 25% of which are new. This aging regimen gives the wine subtle oak integration without overwhelming the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with expressive red plum and dark cherry before deeper layers of incense, violets, and a light dusting of earth emerge. Tobacco spice and subtle oak round out the bouquet with quiet complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate entry is juicy and fruit-forward, led by ripe blackberry and black cherry. At mid-palate, earthy undertones and a touch of woody spice develop, supported by good balancing acidity that keeps the wine lively and structured. The overall impression is full and velvety, with genuine depth for a wine at this price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is well-balanced, carried by fine, polished tannins and a lingering note of dark fruit. It fades with brightness rather than weight, leaving a clean, satisfying close.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Moulin d'Issan\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine is best enjoyed at cellar temperature, around 16–18°C (61–64°F), and benefits from 20–30 minutes of breathing time in the glass or a brief decant. Its supple, fruit-driven character and moderate tannin structure make it versatile at the table. A classic \u003cstrong\u003eBordelaise pairing\u003c\/strong\u003e with grilled lamb is hard to beat. It also works beautifully in a \u003cstrong\u003eSangria Roja\u003c\/strong\u003e, where its deep berry fruit amplifies the punch. For autumn gatherings, try it alongside a \u003cstrong\u003emulled wine\u003c\/strong\u003e preparation — its spice and plum notes integrate naturally with warm-spice aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing a Bordeaux newcomer to Left Bank style without the grand cru price tag\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight dinners featuring red meat, roasted vegetables, or charcuterie\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a mixed case of Bordeaux across multiple quality tiers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a wine lover who appreciates estate provenance and drinking-ready reds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Moulin d'Issan taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Moulin d'Issan is a fruit-forward, velvety red driven by ripe blackberry, dark cherry, and plum, supported by earthy undertones, tobacco spice, and fine tannins from 14 months in French oak.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Moulin d'Issan compare to Blason d'Issan?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both wines come from Château d'Issan, but Blason d'Issan is the estate's Margaux-appellation third wine with a higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon and greater tannic structure. Moulin d'Issan, bottled under the broader Bordeaux Supérieur AOC with 90% Merlot, is softer, more immediately approachable, and positioned as the estate's most accessible offering.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Moulin d'Issan good for everyday drinking?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its ripe fruit profile, moderate 13% ABV, and supple tannins make it an excellent choice for casual meals and weeknight enjoyment without requiring extended cellaring.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Moulin d'Issan made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Moulin d'Issan is produced by Château d'Issan, a Third Growth classified estate located in the commune of Cantenac within the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux's Left Bank, though the wine itself carries the Bordeaux Supérieur AOC designation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Moulin d'Issan?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's earthy depth. Beef bourguignon mirrors its dark fruit and oak spice. Duck confit echoes its richness and balancing acidity. Aged Comté or Gruyère cheese highlights the subtle woody finish. A simple charcuterie board with cured sausages and cornichons also works well against its juicy fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Moulin d'Issan come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Moulin d'Issan is typically available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Moulin d'Issan worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Moulin d'Issan positions as an entry-level expression from a prestigious Third Growth estate, offering estate-quality winemaking and French oak aging at a fraction of the cost of the grand vin; for drinkers seeking genuine Bordeaux character and pedigree, it represents strong value in the Bordeaux Supérieur category.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Moulin d'Issan?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates Moulin d'Issan from generic Bordeaux Supérieur wines is its direct lineage to one of the Médoc's most historic classified estates. The 90% Merlot blend — unusual for a property in the Cabernet Sauvignon–dominant Médoc — gives the wine a plush, approachable personality distinct from its siblings higher up the Château d'Issan range. The 2017 vintage earned a Silver medal at the Sommelier Wine Awards, and the 2019 vintage averaged 90 points among critics, underscoring consistent quality across recent releases. For anyone seeking a doorway into the world of classified Bordeaux without the investment of a grand vin, this wine — named for a 17th-century windmill whose ruins still stand among the vines — delivers authentic terroir and history in every glass.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Moulin d'Issan","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44836957323433,"sku":"15668","price":21.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/moulin_d_Issan__32738.jpg?v=1730475245"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/moulin-d-issan.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}