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Kirwan 2011

RegionBordeaux
Subregion France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Margaux
ColourRed
TypeStill
Grape VarietyCabernet Sauvignon

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Label

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+
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (212), April 2014

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.

84/86
Neal Martin, RobertParker.com, April 2012

This young red has a lot of polish, with firm, refined tannins and a berry, currant and mineral character. Full body, fresh acidity and a clean, fruity finish. Reserved and beautiful. Try in 2017

90
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, February 2014

Eric Boissenot, the Médoc's master oenologist, seems to have had a big influence on the style of the wine in 2011, because this Margaux third growth is very drinkable and appealing. Coffee bean and fresh tobacco on the nose, with sweet tannins, lively acidity and grainy, supple fruit on the palate. 8+ years.

92
Tim Atkin MW, timatkin.com, April 2012

Well-extracted black summer fruits, quite robust structure, but Margaux expression dominates with good fruit and complexity. Drink 2015-2025

17
Steven Spurrier, Decanter.com, April 2012
Read more tasting notes...

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+
Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (200), 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.

89/90
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, April 2012
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.