Kirwan 2011

Margaux, Third Growth

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Tasting Notes

The dense ruby/purple-colored, chunky, rich, slightly masculine 2011 Kirwan is medium-bodied and fleshy. It reveals excellent extraction of fruit and flavor, sweet, but noticeable tannins and a nicely textured mouthfeel as well as finish. While it may not be an archetypical Margaux, it is impressively endowed. Still young, it should hit its prime in 5-6 years and have 15-20 years of upside ahead of it. (89+)

Score: 89 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2019-2039 Date: 01 April 2014

This wine is somewhat of a paradox in that it offers soft, fleshy fruit as well as hard tannins that kick in in the finish. It seemingly has not settled completely following its malolactic fermentation. However, it reveals good spice as well as this chateau’s masculine, fuller style, but the tannins need to become better integrated and resolved. (86-88+ Points)

Score: 86 - 88 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 30 April 2012

A blend 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 9% Petit Verdot, the Kirwan appears more disjointed on the nose compared to its peers and it does not appear to have achieved the same level of ripeness. The palate is medium-bodied with dusky tannins on the entry. It is a little simple and chunky, rather stumbling towards the finish. I hope there is more to offer in bottle. Tasted April 2012.

Score: 84 - 86 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 30 April 2012

Well-extracted black summer fruits, quite robust structure, but Margaux expression dominates with good fruit and complexity.

Score: 17 Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2015-2025 Date: 16 April 2012

Sweet toasty oak but equally sweet rich dark fruit on the nose. Spicy, a touch exotic. Then more stern on the palate, upright, structured but with a certain harmony. Fresh, fragrant on the mid palate, and finishes attractively dry. (JH)

Score: 16 - 17 Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2018-2028 Date: 16 April 2012

Lighter-bodied, with a sandalwood edge and more modest plum skin, cherry and pomegranate notes.

Score: 86 - 89 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Date: 11 April 2012

Plenty of dark berries and fresh ceps on the nose and palate. Full to medium body with polished tannins and an attractive finish. Well-done. Reserved style of Kirwan.

Score: 89 - 90 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 01 April 2012