In the Haut-Médoc, on the left bank of the Gironde, in the heart of the commune of Cantenac, stands the relatively small Château Kirwan, which produces a 3rd Grand Cru Classé. Until 1904, the estate was owned by the Irish Kirwan family, but due to an inheritance dispute, they were forced to sell it that year. Today, the estate belongs to the Schröder & Schyler trading house, which is based in the city of Bordeaux.
In 1993, a second wine from Kirwan was created under the name “Les Charmes de Kirwan”. It benefits from all the care and improvements implemented at Château Kirwan over the years. Les Charmes de Kirwan is made largely from grapes sourced from the youngest vineyards. These are very favourably situated on the Cantenac plateau. The soil consists of gravel and pebble banks. The grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot are planted here.
Harvesting is done by hand, allowing only the ripe, undamaged bunches to be picked. A further selection is then made in the cellar, ensuring the best possible final result. The young wine is aged for 12 months in oak barrels.
The wine is an intense, deep colour and generously reveals its delightful aromas. It is at once fruity, smooth and elegant on the palate. It is a wine that ages well. Nevertheless, it can be enjoyed at a younger age than its big brother, the Grand Cru Classé.
Rating: 95 Decanter, 94-96 Alexander Ma, 93-95 Vinous, 94 Jane Anson.
In 1993, a second wine from Kirwan was created under the name “Les Charmes de Kirwan”. It benefits from all the care and improvements implemented at Château Kirwan over the years. Les Charmes de Kirwan is made largely from grapes sourced from the youngest vineyards. These are very favourably situated on the Cantenac plateau. The soil consists of gravel and pebble banks. The grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot are planted here.
Harvesting is done by hand, allowing only the ripe, undamaged bunches to be picked. A further selection is then made in the cellar, ensuring the best possible final result. The young wine is aged for 12 months in oak barrels.
The wine is an intense, deep colour and generously reveals its delightful aromas. It is at once fruity, smooth and elegant on the palate. It is a wine that ages well. Nevertheless, it can be enjoyed at a younger age than its big brother, the Grand Cru Classé.
Rating: 95 Decanter, 94-96 Alexander Ma, 93-95 Vinous, 94 Jane Anson.