Château Kirwan 2014

The 2014 Kirwan has a brisk raspberry and wild strawberry nose, a touch confit with rose petal scents emerging with time, the vanilla aspect observed in barrel now completely assimilated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and well-judged acidity. Harmonious in the mouth with good body, it builds nicely with cedar and white pepper-infused black fruit, though it just cuts away swiftly on the finish that maybe knocked off a point on the bottle tasting in October 2016, though six months later, a second bottle showed more persistence. This is a commendable Kirwan that should give 15-20 years of pleasure.

Focused, with a winey edge to the mix of steeped red and black currant, anise and singed juniper notes. Shows a modestly fleshy edge through the perfumy finish. A textbook Margaux. Best from 2018 through 2024. 8,335 cases made.

93–95. Barrel Sample. Firm and concentrated, this is a dark wine that also has ample fruitiness. The freshness and the structure combine harmoniously, resulting in a dry core of black currant flavor that's framed by layers of bright acidity.

Crushed black fruits of both ripeness and firmness and finely concentrated depth. More robust than some but no loss of elegance on the fine middle palate. Good wine, good future.

Fresh herb and berry character with hints of lavender. Full to medium body, firm tannins and a long finish. This is on it for the vintage. Drink in 2020.

The 2014 Kirwan was the last vintage made in the old vat-room. It has a more tertiary nose than expected, featuring red plum, cranberry and a touch of singed leather. This is a little more rustic especially after the nascent 2022. The palate is marked by firm, rigid tannins and a hint of dried blood. In fact, this is quite ferrous toward the finish that is just a tad drier than I would have liked. It’s difficult to know whether this will improve after ten years. Tasted at the château.

Flowers, earth, espresso and plum notes get the wine going. Medium bodied, bright and focused on its red fruits and almost crisp finish, this needs some time to better come together.

Extremely dark purple with lilac and violet highlights. Deep bouquet, lots of floral notes and hints of blueberry fruit, with a lovely underlying terroir spice. On the palate, there’s an earthy touch and fairly soft, grainy tannins; the extract feels furry and firm, showing a certain pungent edge on the finish, driven by peppery notes. Potential rating:

Extremely dark purple with lilac and violet highlights. Deep bouquet with plenty of floral notes and hints of blueberry fruit, underpinned by a lovely terroir-driven spiciness. On the palate, there’s an earthy touch and rather ripe, grainy tannins; the extract feels furry and firm, and the finish shows a certain piquancy with peppery notes. Potential rating:

Herbs, a mineral, restrained bouquet, red berries, chalk, green wood. Light, somewhat muddled palate with sandy tannins, little fruit, medium aromatic intensity, dry finish. 16/20 2020 - 2032

Young, with plenty of depth through the mid palate, an edge of chalky tannins, raspberry leaf, cassis fruit, elegant but with plenty of concentration underneath. Last year in the old cellars, harvest September 23 to October 8, aged in Chateau Martinens (an estate that has since been purchased Château Lascombes). 50% new oak for ageing.

Medium to deep garnet-brick in color, the 2014 Kirwan is a bit oxidized, with prune and hoisin notes followed by leather and tobacco in the background. The medium-bodied palate is chewy and tiring with a rustic finish. Tasted blind with the Southwold Group in London in February 2024.

This is not quite the same wine as the one tasted en primeur: the aromatic finesse is there, but the texture has tightened. Likely a transitional reductive phase. To revisit in three or four years.

A vintage that marks Kirwan’s return. Medium-bodied, with clean fruit and tannins that still need time to soften.

A fine wine, dense and tightly knit, with a slightly vegetal note that brings freshness, good length, a bit more austere than usual and without its usual velvety texture. Be patient. 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot. 13.5% ABV.

A deep, intense colour with a slight touch of evolution. A fragrant, pure nose with ripe, vanilla-tinged fruit. Juicy from the attack, with a caressing, slender body, this succulent wine fills the palate with delicious aromatics. The finish is long, sappy and consistently flavoursome. It’s Margaux. Blend: 58% cabernet sauvignon, 36% merlot, 4% petit verdot, 2% cabernet franc.