2021 Le Charmes de Kirwan, Chateau Kirwan
Margaux, Bordeaux, France
Velvet Margaux
Supple, polished and quietly seductive, the 2021 Les Charmes de Kirwan captures that lovely Margaux balance between perfume and poise. The nose opens with blackcurrant, ripe cherry and plum, then drifts into softer notes of liquorice, pepper, cinnamon and a touch of vanilla. There is freshness here from the outset, but also a rounded, velvety feel that gives the wine immediate charm. On the palate, it is juicy and finely textured, with red and black berry fruit, gentle spice and silky tannins that give shape without ever feeling heavy. Elegant rather than forceful, this is a Bordeaux that feels composed, expressive and beautifully easy to enjoy already, while still carrying enough structure to age gracefully over the coming years.
For when: roast lamb is on the table, and the candles are already lit.
Pairs with: duck, roast beef, mushroom dishes, or a good wedge of Comté.
If this wine were a place: a grand old Margaux salon at dusk, all soft light, polished wood and quiet confidence.
Les Charmes de Kirwan is the second wine of Château Kirwan, the historic Third Growth estate in Margaux, first launched in 1993. It is made from fruit selected from sandier, less gravel-dominant parcels, with a higher proportion of Merlot than the grand vin, which helps give the wine its earlier-drinking charm and supple texture. The 2021 technical sheet lists the blend as 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot and 1% CarmĂ©nère, grown on fine gravelly sandy soils with limited clay and vinified in concrete tulip-shaped tanks.Â
Whats in the bottle
47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 8% Petit Verdot and 1% Carménère
Notable Awards
91 pts James Suckling. “The lovely garnet red colour points to a wine that is still young, with no sign of ageing. The nose is complex, a mix of ripe fruit with fine woody and vanilla notes. After a fresh, gentle attack, the wine has a round, ample and juicy character in the mouth. Aromas of perfectly ripe red and black berries are back once again, complemented by hints of pepper. Discreet, fine-grained tannins make for a lovely length in the mouth. The most eager enthusiasts can enjoy this wine today, keeping in mind that it will continue to age beautifully for the next decade.”