Les Charmes de Kirwan 2015

Chateau Kirwan is a producer located in Margaux, the most southern commune in the Medoc, is one of the top rated Margaux estates. The estate was classified as a Third Growth in the 1855 Classification of Bordeaux wines. Mark Kirwan, an Irishman, acquired the property from Englishman John Collingwood in 1760 after marrying Collingwood's daughter. He built the chateau and branded the label with his name to make it easier for merchants to identify and sell. Thomas Jefferson, a lover of Bordeaux, wrote about Chateau Kirwan (Quirouen, at the time), and listed it as a second classified growth. This was, however, before 1855, when it was officially classified as a third growth. Chateau Kirwan believes in minimally invasive techniques in the wine cellar, calling winemakers "wine helpers" instead. Often described as elegant, silky, and firmly structured, it is considered a classic example of Margaux. In addition to the grand vin, they also make a second wine called Les Charmes de Kirwan. It is made from grapes picked from younger vines and is a classically silky Margaux with a more approachable style, offering a fruitful, supple and elegant blend with delicate oaky notes. That means it can be drunk a little younger.