2018 Kirwan
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Tasting notes
More concentrated and exuberant than the 2017, reflective of a year where they lost 50% of the harvest to mildew - the Cantenac plateau was the epicentre of the issues in the vintage, and here Kirwan was taking its first steps with organic farming. It meant a high percentage of Petit Verdot, and you feel the weight through the mid palate, and the waves of black pepper, sage, rosemary, rose oil, incense, cassis, pomegranate and passion fruit, complex and really rather lovely. Needs more time in bottle. 50% new oak for ageing.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Oak a bit obvious on the nose. Then extremely sweet on the palate! Disjointed with the acidity – sweet-and-sour wine marked by oak. Not very Margaux. (JR)
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.
One of the few wines I wasn't able to taste from barrel, the 2018 Château Kirwan is certainly an outstanding wine now from bottle. Revealing a deep purple hue as well as beautiful notes of crème de cassis and earthy currant fruits, it's medium to full-bodied and has a kiss of background oak, plenty of spicy, floral nuances, and a great finish. It's another terrific 2018 with solid up-front appeal yet the balance, structure, and class to evolve for 20-25 years.
About the producer
Philippe Delfaut has been integral to the transformation of Ch. Kirwan, taking an estate known for its lavish, Michel-Rolland style and bringing more classicism – with increased precision in the vineyard and winery.