Kirwan 2015

As with the 2009, you can discern the impact of the vintage on the aromatics, with depth and power, waves of cumin and rosemary, sage, liqourice root, blackberry, cassis, crushed rose petals. Excellent quality, 51hl/h yield, 50% new oak for ageing. Harvesting began September 18. First year vinified in the new ageing cellars. Underlines how Margaux was unusual in the Médoc for being a really excellent appellation to head to in the 2015 vintage. Eric Boissenot consultant, Philippe Delfaut director. Drink 2024-2044.

Tasted blind. Mid to dark crimson. A bit dull-looking. Neat and composed. Some sweet curranty quality. Lots of glamorous fruit to counterbalance the tannins. A bit tough on the end.Drink 2024-2042

It is bright on the nose bunches of spring violets the palate though rich and ripe with mid generosity. The juicy richness on the mid palate is balanced by fresher fruit but sweet ripe cassis is there at the back giving richness on the finish.

A gentle red-fruit-driven nose moves neatly into a compact, fresh palate with tidy tannins and a clean finish. Nothing isdone at haste here and it is nicely balanced, too, if a little one-dimensional.

The 2015 Kirwan appears to have meliorated in recent months. It offers attractive raspberry preserve, mulberry and allspice aromas, gently unveiling tea leaf scents with aeration. The medium-bodied palate displays fine-grained tannin and a taut line of acidity; it is fresh and precise though never powerful, and it gently fans out toward the finish, leaving a dash of black pepper on the aftertaste. Classy. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.

The 2015 Kirwan has a straitlaced bouquet that does not quite deliver the flair and panache of its peers, although it is bestowed with attractive blackberry and raspberry coulis scents laced with rose petal. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity, fresh in the mouth but just missing that extra dimension on the conservative finish. Not bad, but I think Kirwan will produce better in the coming years with their brand new winery. It must now start to deliver the goods where it matters—in bottle. Anticipated maturity: 2020 - 2035.

The 2015 Kirwan has a very opulent, heady bouquet that perhaps has its foot pressed down a little too hard on the accelerator? It just feels a little ostentatious compared directly with its peers. The palate goes some way to restore order with small dark cherries, taut and quite firm tannin with a very citrus-fresh finish. It is a Margaux that seems to be on full glare at the moment - I hope that during élevage the contrast is toned down, so that there is more balance and a sense of terroir can come through, because this estate can produce great wines. Drink 2019-2033.

So much character here of wet earth, mushroom and black currants. Full and powerful. Chewy tannins yet polished and very fine. Focused intense.

Mid crimson. Black peppery scent. A little bit jagged on the palate – not quite enough Margaux charm in evidence – yet. At the moment it’s a bit transitional.Drink 2025-2040

Very dark crimson. Haunting aroma - very smooth yet concentrated. Very impressive! Much more freshness than of old. The Boissenot touch?Drink 2024-2040