2023 Kirwan
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Tasting notes
This is full and plummy, with slightly dried fruit, and sweet spice from new oak that will need time to integrate. There’s a cola note alongside the dark currant fruit and a firm structure, with the tannins blending with the bramble notes on the finish. Harvested at 50hl/ha. Blend: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 1% Carménère
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Neal Martin, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, and 1% Carménère aged 18 months in 50% new barrels, the 2023 Château Kirwan is a solid Margaux with a deep purple hue and a juicy nose of red, blue, and black fruits intermixed with smoky tobacco, minty herbs, and spicy wood. On the palate, it's pretty, balanced, and elegant, already offering plenty of pleasure yet built to evolve gracefully. I love its purity of fruit. Drink 2030-2050.
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.
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.
About the producer
Philippe Delfaut has been integral to the transformation of Ch. Kirwan, taking an estate known for its lavish, Michel-Rolland style and bringing more classicism – with increased precision in the vineyard and winery.