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.

The 2023 Kirwan turned out beautifully. Aromatic and poised, this mid-weight Margaux has a ton to offer. Crushed flowers, vibrant red-toned fruit, blood orange, cedar, mint and licorice are beautifully lifted. The 2023 is so classy and refined.

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.

Brings the finesse that I found En Primeur, this has a classical Margaux character, finely spun architecture, savour twist of cassis bud, rose stem, with graphite, mint leaf and blackberry, a classical interpretation of the vintage, very pretty, great aromatics. A generous yield of 50l/h.

This is ripe and fresh, with a laid-back feel, as the silky structure lets gently mulled plum and black cherry fruit splay out slowly, unveiling violet and ink notes through the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2035. 10,000 cases made, 2,000 cases imported.

The finesse and depth of the bouquet immediately underscore the exceptional level Kirwan has demonstrated over the past years. Everything is coherent and detailed, with a clear focus on precision. Velvety on the palate, the wine shows both charm and vitality. This energy is well framed and shaped by fine-grained tannins, ideally complemented by a racy structure. A flavorful, elegant and persistent wine.

Logo on the cork: DIAM30 Deep, intense colour with bright highlights. A very aromatic, refined nose, fruity and fresh. Delicate on the attack, savoury through the mid-palate, the wine melts on the palate, both airy and dense, with a beautiful violet note. The finish is long, uplifting, refined, fragrant and very good. This score places this vintage just behind the 2022.