Chateau Kirwan 2016, Margaux

A 3rd Classified Growth of 1855, Château Kirwan is produced in the appellation of Margaux. Covering an area of 40 hectares, the vineyard is located on a gravelly hillside in the Pyrenees. The wine is aged in barrels, 50% of which are of new oak. The 2016 vintage blends 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot.

The 2016 vintage is characterized by heavy rainfall until mid-June, which required a lot of attention during the spring. But Nature is sometimes generous - 5 dry and sunny days allowed for rapid and even flowering. The summer settled and brought with it heat and dryness. The peak arrived on August 23rd, when the thermometer displayed up to 36.4 °C. The vines stopped growing and experienced significant water stress. The delay of the grape ripening forecasted late harvests. Rain on the 13th of September finally allowed the grapes to reach optimum maturity before the harvest, which took place between September 27th and October 20th.

The Château Kirwan 2016 reveals a clever balance of texture, boldness and tannins. The wines are fresh, bright with fruit and simply spectacular. Thanks to the new vat, the grapes are accurately expressed as pure, clear and elegant. Barrel ageing is perfectly integrated and the fruit aromas are truly dominant.