2021 Kirwan
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Tasting notes
Finessed, with a focus on floral peony aromatics, with raspberry and redcurrant fruits, along with a gentle campfire toast. Retasting the 2021s is always interesting, and there is charm here, but the acidity is more evident than in other vintages. Well handled, deft. 50% new oak for ageing, 33hl/h yield after frost. Eric Boissenot consultant, Philippe Delfaut director.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Tom Parker MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Spiced red and blue fruits, tobacco, cedary herbs, and some background spicy oak all emerge from the 2021 Château Kirwan, a medium-bodied, nicely balanced, elegant Margaux that has ripe tannins, good mid-palate depth, and outstanding length. It's going to pick up a tad more finesse and elegance with 2-4 years in the cellar and drink beautifully over the following decade or thereabouts.
The 2021 Kirwan has a mixture of red and black fruit with touches of beetroot on the nose, cohesive and quite Saint-Julien in style. The palate is medium-bodied with a pliant entry. Nicely balanced with moderate weight, it’s quite sweet toward the finish compared to its peers. The 2021 is not bad, but I have definitely tasted better in other vintages.
The 2021 Kirwan opens with crushed rose petal, bright red-toned fruit, cedar and a hint of pipe tobacco. Fresh and vibrant, with mid-weight structure, the 2021 is a wine of understatement more than anything else. I find it refined and refreshing, two attributes that will serve it well for a number of 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.