Château Kirwan

Château Kirwan is a producer located in Margaux, in the southern Medoc, some 30km (18 miles) north of Bordeaux town center. The estate was classified as a Third Growth in the 1855 Classification of Bordeaux wines. Château Kirwan is situated on 40 hectares (100 acres). The property sits on something of a rise 20 meters higher than the rest of the plateau at its highest point. Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant variety grown here, thriving on the gravelly soils of the area, while Merlot enjoys more clay-based soils on another part of the property. Some Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot are grown as well. Château Kirwan believes in minimally invasive techniques in the wine cellar, calling winemakers "wine helpers" instead. The wine is aged for 20 months in 40 percent new French oak, allowing the quality of the fruit and soil structure to shine. Often described as elegant, silky, and firmly structured, it is considered a classic example of Margaux.

The 2006 vintage was very over-particular: it required the know how of both, vine-grower and winemaker. Kirwan 2006 shows fresh red and black fruit aromas on the nose and great finesse with an almost chewy texture on the palate. The wine is lively with firm and perfectly ripe tannins with a long, elegant and fresh finish - typical of the vintage.