2009 Château Kirwan
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Tasting notes
The greater intensity of the 2009 is immediately clear, with a supple but muscular tannic frame, gourmet grilled cedar edge to the black fruits, with chocolate shavings, cumin, sage, roses and liqourice, with a dark peppery spice as it opens. This has a long way to run and captures the spirit of a great Margaux. Harvest from September 22 to October 8. 45% new oak for ageing, 29hl/h yield after May hail.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Decanter
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Kirwan showed extremely well, mocking my previous lukewarm reaction. It has an attractive cedar and graphite infused bouquet, plenty of black fruit with touches of wild mint developing with aeration. This coalesces nicely in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine thread of acidity, gentle grip with hints of black pepper and cedar towards the nicely framed and persistent finish. Classy. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting.
Tasted blind. Quite thick with lots of impact on the palate – even a bit of heat! Leathery. (JR)
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.