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.
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.
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
There is an unusually low percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon here for the Medoc. The vineyard being planted with 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot. The Boissenots have consulted here since 2007 (replacing Michel Rolland) and the wine is now less new-oak, less late-picked and less jammy in style. Eucalyptus nose with red cherry fruit. The palate has medium-weight fruit, a little lean at the finish. A decent Margaux.
The nose is fresh quite light and the palate lacks a bit of substance. There are some sweeter richer black fruits towards the back but the firmness of the tannins tends to overpower.
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.
Well-extracted black summer fruits, quite robust structure, but Margaux expression dominates with good fruit and complexity. Drink 2015-2025
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.
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.
