2024 Chateau Kirwan 3eme Cru Classe, Margaux

Good depth for the vintage, showing nice spices and black cherries. A hint of iodine and graphite. Juicy, acid-driven and bright, this has medium to full body and fresh, pleasantly chewy tannins. Pretty al dente with a long finish.

The 2024 Kirwan is quite understated and discreet on the nose, opening up with blackberry, raspberry and crushed violet scents. The oak is neatly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and juicy, with pliant tannins, more on the mid-palate than some of its peers and a harmonious, thoroughly enjoyable finish. This is classy. Kirwan looks as if it has raised its game in recent vintages and this bodes well for the future. Bravo!

Graphite, a dark plummy fruit with a few more briary fruits thrown in to the mix – brambles and black berries. Fresh and juicy, an impression reinforced by the slightly elevated acidity. But the acidity is well-modulated and well-distributed over the palate. This is less ample than many of its peers and more linear as a consequence but it’s never strict. Quite vivid and vivacious. There’s a hint of cedar to come right on the finish. (Margaux; 68% Cabernet Sauvignon; 18% Merlot; 8% Cabernet Franc; 5% Petit Verdot; 1% Carménère; a final yield of 27 hl/ha; 13% alcohol; tasted twice, first at the UGC press tasting at the Cité du Vin). 

Love the juicy, slatey, old school charm of these opening beats, raspberry leaf, slate, cumin, white pepper, slim and savoury but with complexity and depths, can see Left Bank signature for sure, but not generous this year. Schÿler family, 27 hl/ha yield.

Flowers, red currants, and leafy tobacco notes are on display in the nose. Medium-bodied, sharp, vibrant, and crisp on the palate, the wine finishes with spicy, red berries, and peppery herb sensations, topped off by a refreshing note of mint at the end of the finish. Drink from 2028-2040.

The 2024 Kirwan is a very pretty, aromatic Margaux. Crushed flowers, bright red-toned fruit, mint, orange peel and spice are all laced together in attractive, stylish Margaux that is all charm. Floral and citrus notes perk up the finish.

68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmenère. Cask sample.

Dark and red fruit with a touch of spice. Elegant, fresh and supple on the palate. Tannins fine and well integrated. Lacks a bit of depth but well made. (JL)

13% Drink 2030 – 2042