Appellations

Kirwan 2018

Margaux, Third Growth

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Tasting Notes

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.

Score: 92 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2024 - 2042 Date: 22 August 2021

The 2018 Kirwan feels as if it has closed down in the midst of its barrel maturation. Tightly wound blackberry and wild strawberry scents and a splash of iodine blossom with aeration, but the aromas remain on a tight leash. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins that lend a velvety-smooth texture. This is very seductive, although I am seeking more depth on the finish. If that does transpire, then this Kirwan will deserve a score at the top of my band.

Score: 90 - 92 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2024-2042 Date: 01 November 2019

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.

Score: 93 Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com Maturity: 2021 - 2046 Date: 19 July 2021

The deep garnet-purple colored 2018 Kirwan comes barreling out of the glass with notes of cedar chest, cloves and stewed plums, followed by notions of cassis, dried Provence herbs and tobacco leaf with a waft of dusty soil. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers mouth-coating, juicy black fruits with a plush texture and plenty of freshness, finishing long and earthy.

Score: 92 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, - Maturity: 2023 - 2040 Date: 15 July 2021

The 2018 Kirwan is deep garnet-purple in color and gives intense, lifted scents of kirsch, black raspberries and warm cassis with nuances of rose hip tea, tar, fragrant earth and wild sage. The full-bodied palate delivers a great intensity of vibrant fruit with loads of earthy nuances and a firm, fine-grained frame, finishing long and perfumed.

Score: 91 - 93 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 23 April 2019

The dark and serious fruit here is less exuberant than some and heads towards a more intellectual take on the vintage, possibly due to the concentrating effect of the 25hl/ha yields, a result of mildew and the summer heat. It has great persistency and spice, although the aromatics take a while to reveal themselves. The fresh acidity suggests this is going to age extremely well. 50% new oak. 13% Petit Verdot makes up the blend.

Score: 93 Jane Anson, Decanter.com Maturity: 2027-2040 Date: 16 April 2019

Tight and very focused this year with blackberries and olive and bark undertones. Full body, chewy tannins and a savory and juicy finish. Solid.

Score: 92 - 93 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 11 April 2019

The 2018 Kirwan is bold and potent in its first impression. A rush of dark red/purplish fruit makes a strong opening statement. Today, the 2018 is a bit chunky and rough around the edges. Hopefully élevage will take care of some of that. This is an especially rich, bombastic style. There is no lack of fruit or intensity, that much is obvious.

Score: 89 - 92 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Date: 01 April 2019

Very expressive, with polished cassis, raspberry and blackberry puree flavors, carried by silky but substantial grip. The refined and persistent finish lets the fruit play out nicely. A lovely wine in the making.

Score: 92 - 95 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Date: 01 April 2019