Chateau Kirwan Margaux 2016
A distinguished red wine from the renowned Margaux appellation in Bordeaux, France. Crafted by Chateau Kirwan, a historic estate with roots dating back to the 18th century, this wine exemplifies the elegance and complexity for which Margaux wines are celebrated. The 2016 vintage is a testament to the favorable conditions that year, showcasing the harmony of fruit and structure.
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 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 aging is perfectly integrated and the fruit aromas are truly dominant.
Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2016 vintage reveals a deep garnet hue, signaling its concentration and potential for aging. The nose is a symphony of blackcurrant, blackberry, and cassis, interwoven with subtle floral notes and a touch of graphite. On the palate, experience the full-bodied richness, with velvety tannins and a seamless integration of oak. Flavors of dark chocolate, tobacco, and hints of cedar contribute to a long and lingering finish, leaving an impression of both power and finesse.
How to Enjoy
To fully appreciate the nuances of Chateau Kirwan Margaux 2016, decant the wine for at least an hour before serving. Serve it in a Bordeaux wine glass at a temperature of around 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit) to allow the aromas to unfold. Sip it slowly, letting the wine evolve in the glass and revealing its layers of complexity. This vintage has excellent aging potential, so consider cellaring it for a few more years to witness its continued development.
Food Pairing
Chateau Kirwan Margaux 2016 is a versatile wine that pairs exceptionally well with classic French cuisine and other hearty dishes. Match it with grilled lamb chops, beef Wellington, or a slow-cooked beef bourguignon to complement its robust structure. The wine's refined character also makes it an excellent accompaniment to aged cheeses, particularly those with a creamy texture. Experiment with pairings to explore the wine's adaptability to a variety of flavors.
Overall
Chateau Kirwan Margaux 2016 is a standout representation of the Margaux appellation's terroir and the expertise of Chateau Kirwan's winemaking team. Its combination of opulence and precision makes it a noteworthy addition to Bordeaux's exceptional 2016 vintage. Whether enjoyed now or aged to perfection, this wine invites enthusiasts to savor the timeless elegance and complexity that define the wines of Margaux.
Critical Acclaim
95 Wine Enthusiast
This big, rich wine offers dense tannins as well as sumptuous black fruits. Fruit and acidity come together to create a wine with both richness and juicy black plum flavors. Drink this powerful wine from 2025.
92 James Suckling
There’s fragrant charm here with purple flowers and a swathe of ripe, juicy dark berries. This has a firmish overall feel with sturdy tannins, driving ripe and fresh, red and dark berries long. The oak is very nicely played.
90 Wine Spectator
Bright damson plum, bitter cherry and rose petal notes lead the way in this fresh and focused version, with light rooibos tea and mineral accents underlining the silky, elegant finish. Sneaky long too. Best from 2021 through 2031.
90 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Kirwan is scented of red plums, cassis, redcurrants, earth and cigar box. The palate is medium-bodied, lean, chewy and lively with an earthy finish.
90 Jeb Dunnuck
One of the more finesse-driven examples of this cuvée that I can remember, the 2016 Château Kirwan offers up a medium ruby color to go with notes of smoke tobacco, gravelly minerality, graphite, and sweet cassis fruit. Medium-bodied, elegant and supple, if not a touch lean, it’s not a blockbuster but has outstanding purity and notable elegance. Drink it over the coming 15 years or so.