| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Margaux |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This third growth Margaux property has 40 hectares of vines planted with 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 10% Petit Verdot. A second wine Les Charmes de Kirwan is also produced.
The 2018 Kirwan has an attractive bouquet of violet-laced blackberry and raspberry fruit. The oak here is neatly enmeshed with a subtle marine note in the background. The medium-bodied palate offers sappy black fruit laced with cedar and light minty notes. Quite cohesive, with a bit of swagger on the finish. This is a fine Kirwan that should age well in bottle. Drink 2024-2042.
Tight and very focused this year with blackberries and olive and bark undertones. Full body, chewy tannins and a savory and juicy finish. Solid.
The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Kirwan comes barreling out of the glass with notes of cedar chest, cloves and stewed plums, followed by notions of cassis, dried Provence herbs and tobacco leaf with a waft of dusty soil. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers mouth-coating, juicy black fruits with a plush texture and plenty of freshness, finishing long and earthy. Drink 2023-2040.
The dark and serious fruit here is less exuberant than some and heads towards a more intellectual take on the vintage, possibly due to the concentrating effect of the 25hl/ha yields, a result of mildew and the summer heat. It has great persistency and spice, although the aromatics take a while to reveal themselves. The fresh acidity suggests this is going to age extremely well.
50% new oak. 13% Petit Verdot makes up the blend.
Drinking Window 2027 - 2040
43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 13% Petit Verdot; 50% new oak. Barrel sample.
Inky core with purple rim. Sweet, dark and scented black fruit. Notably aromatic and a touch floral. Rich and savoury on the palate, all the impact is in the middle of the palate but the tannins are nicely smooth on the finish. A little bit showy in a vintage where the wines are generally rather closed at the moment but the fruit is to the fore, which is unusual and welcome in this vintage. (JH) 14.5%
Drink 2025-2033
Deep and violet-hued in the glass. This is led by an open and perfumed nose of blue fruit and rose. The palate follows, with great purity and finnesse - the succulent tannins are delicate and integrated, allowing the floral fruit tones to shine brightly. This is wonderfully approachable and unforced, an elegant wine that typifies the Margaux appellation.
(53 Cabernet Sauvignon, 29 Merlot, 15 Cabernet Franc, 13 Petit Verdot) | 50% new oak | 14.5% alc | 25 hl/ha Soft, ripe, rich and decadent, this is a very attractive, concentrated wine with a nice sheen. I think that this will open up early and hold well. This might be a real surprise in this vintage.
The 2018 Kirwan feels as if it has closed down in the midst of its barrel maturation. Tightly wound blackberry and wild strawberry scents and a splash of iodine blossom with aeration, but the aromas remain on a tight leash. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins that lend a velvety-smooth texture. This is very seductive, although I am seeking more depth on the finish. If that does transpire, then this Kirwan will deserve a score at the top of my band. Drink 2024-2042.
The 2018 Kirwan is deep garnet-purple in color and gives intense, lifted scents of kirsch, black raspberries and warm cassis with nuances of rose hip tea, tar, fragrant earth and wild sage. The full-bodied palate delivers a great intensity of vibrant fruit with loads of earthy nuances and a firm, fine-grained frame, finishing long and perfumed.
