2020 Kirwan
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
This is a great effort from Ch. Kirwan, capturing both a freshness to the fruit and an elegant extraction of the tannins. It is very silky, with classic, sandy, soft Margaux tannins. You feel the extraction hasn’t been pushed at all, while delivering lots of plush, primary fruit. There is good vibrancy and good tannin detail too. A decent effort that will give early drinking pleasure.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Another exceptional vintage after a run of them, with cloves on the opening beats reflecting a dry year where the concentration is clear. A brilliant mix of 2018 and 2019, juicy with lift through the palate, elivering great punch of black pepper and spiced plum, blackberry puree, campfire smoke and fresh mint leaf on the finish. Still young and coiled but this is impressive. 50% new oak for ageing, 33hl/h yield. Eric Boissenot consultant, Philippe Delfaut director.
Tasted blind. Deepest crimson. Fragrant with very slightly leafy black fruit. Dark and ripe yet fresh. Firm, chewy, well built and harmonious. Juicy finish. Nice freshness. (JH)
The 2020 Kirwan has a pretty, high-toned, slightly ostentatious floral bouquet with violet- and rose petal-infused black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied and elegant with fine tannins, not the most concentrated Margaux, yet it delivers tension and delineation. A combination of modern and classic Bordeaux, it works better on the palate than the nose, but overall, it's a very satisfying, competent Margaux. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting.
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.