Château Kirwan 2018

The richness and concentration of a Grand Cru Classé from Margaux

The property

3rd Cru Classé of Margaux during the great classification of the wines of the Médoc in 1855, the Château Kirwan has belonged to the Schÿler family since 1925. Driven by the dynamism of Philippe Delfaut and equipped with infrastructures worthy of its terroir, Château Kirwan belongs to the elite of the great crus of Margaux.

The vineyard

Located on the plateau of Cantenac, in Margaux, the vineyard of Château Kirwan extends over 37 hectares of vines. This superb hill of gravel and clay brings together all the favorable conditions for the maturation of the great Médoc grape varieties.

The vintage

After the torrential spring rains, the trials of the storm and hail, the attacks of mildew, summer finally sets in from the month of July. The summer will be the hottest recorded since 2003. The dry and hot months have caused a water stress favorable to the vine by promoting slow maturations and an intense concentration of the berries, smaller than usual with much lower yields.

However, at the time of the harvest, the quality of the grapes was exceptional. The harvest thus extended from September 19 to October 10 following an extremely rigorous selection aimed at retaining only the most beautiful berries. The great 2018 vintage thus rewards all the work and attention paid by the technical teams of Château Kirwan. The fruits displayed a magnificent fruity aromatic expression, a great richness in anthocyanins, high degrees and powerful tannins.

Vinification and aging

The quality of the harvest was such that the vinifications were carried out with the least possible intervention, practicing few pump-overs and favoring gentle extractions.

Blend
Cabernet sauvignon (43 %), merlot (29 %), cabernet franc (15 %) and petit verdot (13 %).

Characteristics and tasting advice for Château Kirwan 2018

Tasting

Color
The color presents a concentrated hue with dark shades.

Nose
The rich and complex nose reveals beautiful notes of ripe black fruits (black cherry, blackberry) as well as subtle spicy aromas of sweet pepper and cinnamon.

Palate
If the attack is on freshness, the palate gradually reveals a silky and gourmet texture mixing fruity and spicy aromas with delicate vanilla notes resulting from the 19-month aging in oak barrels. The finish is persistent and all in finesse, marked by beautiful aromatic notes as well as soft tannins.

Cellaring

Accessible now, this 2018 vintage of Château Kirwan can be cellared until 2040-2045 to develop all its complexity.