2014 Château Kirwan
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Tasting notes
The 2014 Kirwan was the last vintage made in the old vat room. It has a more tertiary nose than expected, featuring touches of red plum, cranberry and singed leather. It is a little rustic, especially after the nascent 2022. The palate is marked by firm and rigid tannins. This has a slight tinge of dried blood, making it quite ferrous toward the finish, which is just a tad drier than I would have liked. It is difficult to see whether this will improve after 10 years.
Critic scores
Tim Atkin MW
Decanter
More reviews and scores
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.
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.
The 2014 Kirwan seems oxidized on the nose. The palate is dry on the entry with sour cherries. It's chewy with a blunt finish. It's not a representative bottle. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.
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.