Château Kirwan 2023

Pronounced roasted notes with ripe fruit and Christmas spices behind; dense, generous fruit, fine-grained tannins, very good length. In line with the very successful 2022 vintage. Bravo!

As a Margaux should, this wine releases lovely floral aromatics, more rose stem, along with cedar, caraway, liquorice and subtle touches of oak-derived toast. I like the palate freshness combined with juiciness and subtle depth, with floral echoes on the medium+ finish. It does seem just a touch thinner as compared to some of its cru classé peers, but the élevage should broaden the palate.

Cask sample. Good, deep colour. Slightly oxidised sample (tried two bottles at the UGC tasting). Appears to have depth of fruit and fine, integrated tannins. Needs retasting, so this is a provisional score. (JL)

Bottled in June 2025, the 2023 Kirwan was cropped at a generous 50hl/ha, matured in 50% new oak for 21 months. It has a clean, unpretentious but well-defined bouquet with blackberry, raspberry and iodine scents that remain just a little backward, a bit reticent at the moment. The palate is framed by very fine tannins, crisp black fruit laced with black pepper. I admire the symmetry of this Kirwan and the precision that defined the finish. This is a Margaux not to be overlooked.

Flowers, espresso, mint, black cherries, and spice nuances are easy to spot. Medium-bodied, fresh, elegant, and refined, with a silky edge to the finish, the fruits, chocolate accents, and a lifted, sweet endnote. Drink from 2028-2045. 91-93 pts.

Dark ruby, purple reflections, brightening on the rim. Fine wild-berry fruit, fresh cherries, notes of light nougat and orange zest. Medium body, red-berry and fresh, some marzipan, a lemony and mineral touch on the finish, a subtle food wine.

The harvest started on September 7, almost as early as in 2022, but this was a less extreme year overall, showing a crunchy snap to the primary fruit. Mouthwatering and balanced, with delicious blueberry and blackberry character, and a subtle grilled cedar smoke. Still in barrel, to be bottled in 2025. 53 hl/ha yield as well, with 50% oak for ageing.

A lovely fruity, indulgent, precise nose offering good concentration, fine definition, power, finesse and silkiness, with subtle intensity and depth. It expresses notes of violet, ripe blackcurrant, pulpy blackberry and, more subtly, fairly ripe raspberry, joined by hints of star anise and infusion, as well as fine touches of pepper, discreet almost-nutmeg nuances, toasted tones and a delicate hint of clove, with an imperceptible touch of almost Sichuan pepper. The palate is beautifully juicy and delivers great energy, attractive minerality, a zesty framework, precision, purity and brightness, with a lovely fruity character. It shows notes of juicy/pulpy blackberry, vibrant blackcurrant and, more subtly, star anise, accompanied by touches of bright cherry as well as fine hints of infusion, toast and tonka bean. Lovely suppleness and a flavorful, sapid mid-palate. A charming tangy/juicy fruit character. Tannins are savory and sapid. Lovely creamy mouthfeel—fresh, tangy and indulgent. Beautiful freshness, with an almost graphite edge to the tannins.