Tasting notes: Charmes de Kirwan Margaux
Charmes de Kirwan Margaux. Displays a pleasant garnet colour. Enchanting aromas of red and black berries come out in the nose, heightened by spicy undertones. The bouquet stands out for its fresh and pure character. On the palate, the attack is fresh, with pleasant acidity delivering a tinge of menthol.The wine gradually grows in intensity as the palate reveals the fruity aromas, the
tannins and the distinctive personality fashioned through maturation. The palate is equally dynamic and soft, carried by beautiful and well matured tannins. This Château Kirwan is very elegant, a remarkable illustration of the Margaux appellation, showing a juicy and aromatic finale. A true delicacy.
Food Match:
An ideal pairing to roasted meats or strong cheese after an hour in the decanter.
Producer/Region:
Encountering Kirwan is initially a visual experience. Its vineyard overlooks the Margaux appellation area from the plateau of Cantenac. Its lines stretch off into the distance behind the chateau until all the eye can see is an endless 37-hectare (91-acre) expanse of gravel and clay. Therefore a seasoned observer would know that these different soil types contribute to multiple layers of flavour in Kirwan wines.
The rich variety of forty-five different parcels always intrigues those who attempt to understand the fine web of subtlety that distinguishes great wines. The Merlot vines of the “Cabinet Ouest” parcel with its layered clay produce round, fleshy, balanced wines, while nearer the chateau the sun is dazzlingly reflected by surface gravel in the “Mois de juin” parcel in the middle of the estate, where the Cabernet Sauvignon ripens so well and delivers Kirwan’s velvety tannins.
Les Charmes de Kirwan is the second wine of the property, launched in 1993. It is the main wine’s “little brother” and is generally made from the fruit of the youngest vines and parcels of the vineyard that are less gravelly, but sandier. The wine is made highlighting its fruit and maximising suppleness. It can therefore be enjoyed younger.
