2024 Château Kirwan 3. Cru Classé

James Suckling - 93-94

Good depth for the vintage, showing nice spices and black cherries. A hint of iodine and graphite. Juicy, acid-driven and bright, this has medium to full body and fresh, pleasantly chewy tannins. Pretty al dente with a long finish.

Vinous - 92-94

The 2024 Kirwan is quite understated and discreet on the nose, opening up with blackberry, raspberry and crushed violet scents. The oak is neatly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and juicy, with pliant tannins, more on the mid-palate than some of its peers and a harmonious, thoroughly enjoyable finish. This is classy. Kirwan looks as if it has raised its game in recent vintages and this bodes well for the future. Bravo!

Decanter - 92

Blue fruit, inky tones, crayon and liquorice. Ripe fruit with a juicy core with really quite forward and present tannins that grip the palate and hold on. More chalky and powdery than dry though which provides a nice counter to the tangy acidity. This will be lovely in time, relaxed, calm and softly juicy but still with enough texture to be filling. Not bad at all. Clean and focussed with refinement. 5% Petit Verdot and 1% Carmenère complete the blend.