Kirwan 2014

The 2014 Kirwan has quite a rich bouquet with subtle notes of dates and fig infusing the red berry fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with a soft entry, rounded in texture with cranberry and raspberry fruit. It feels slightly lower in acidity than its peers, more forward in style but it is still well balanced and quite long, if not profoundly complex on the finish. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. 2020 - 2036

The 2014 Kirwan has a brisk raspberry and wild strawberry nose, a touch confit with rose petal scents emerging with time, the vanilla aspect observed in barrel now completely assimilated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and well-judged acidity. Harmonious in the mouth with good body, it builds nicely with cedar and white pepper-infused black fruit, though it just cuts away swiftly on the finish that maybe knocked off a point on the bottle tasting in October 2016, though six months later, a second bottle showed more persistence. This is a commendable Kirwan that should give 15-20 years of pleasure. Drink Date 2019-2038

Fresh herb and berry character with hints of lavender. Full to medium body, firm tannins and a long finish. This is on it for the vintage. Drink in 2020.

Good blueberry and black currant character. Medium to full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish.

Tasted blind. Fragrance and depth. Fresh start and lively. Very dry end. But should get there without being too exaggerated. Very clean and brisk.
Drink 2022-2034

Blueish crimson. A dark glow. A tentative but true aroma. Smells like sweet ink. Round and polished with some savoury sandpaper notes on the finish. Quite appetising. Drink 2022-2035

There is an unusually low percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon here for the Medoc. The vineyard being planted with 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot. The Boissenots have consulted here since 2007 (replacing Michel Rolland) and the wine is now less new-oak, less late-picked and less jammy in style.

Focused, with a winey edge to the mix of steeped red and black currant, anise and singed juniper notes. Shows a modestly fleshy edge through the perfumy finish. A textbook Margaux. Best from 2018 through 2024. 8,335 cases made.

Fresh on the nose fragrant with a strong black fruit character the palate has richness and depth of flavour. The tannins are fine the mid palate fleshy and supple the richer fruit balanced by freshness at the back quite light and fragrant on the finish. 2026-38

The percentage of Petit Verdot is lower than it can be at Kirwan, but this is still a wine with plenty of backbone beneath the perfume and sweetly fruited texture. One of Michel Rolland's few Left Bank consultancies, it's a wine that's nuanced and well balanced, with lingering freshness.