Chateau Kirwan - Margaux 1998
Price: $89.96
| Producer | Chateau Kirwan |
| Country | France |
| Region | Bordeaux |
| Subregion | Margaux |
| Varietal | Bordeaux Blend |
| Vintage | 1998 |
| Sku | 603475 |
| Size | 750ml |
Originally known as Domaine de Lassalle, the estate was acquired in 1710 by Sir John Collingwood. In 1760, his daughter married Mark Kirwan, an Irish merchant who then renamed the property Château Kirwan and elevated its standing. As one of Bordeaux’s prestigious Third Growths, it earned its place in the 1855 Médoc Classification under Camille Godard, who later redesigned the château and its park. In 1926, stewardship passed to the Schÿler family—negociants since the 18th century—who revitalized the vineyard with extensive replanting in the ’60s and ’70s. They've maintained ownership since.
Spanning approximately 37–40 ha on the Cantenac plateau in Margaux, the vineyard sits on classic gravel‑clay soils—the iconic combination of fast‑draining gravel and moisture‑retaining clay. The average vine age is around 30–37 years, planted densely across a few dozen parcels. Grapes planted reflect a classic Left‑Bank blend: roughly 45–47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30–35% Merlot, plus smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc (~10–15%) and Petit Verdot (~7–10%).
The 1998 vintage was one that favored the right bank (though the Kirwan was labeled as a sleeper of the vintage by Robert Parker). This is in it's prime window now.
Wine Advocate
This once moribund estate has totally reversed itself. A sleeper of the vintage, the opaque purple-colored 1998 boasts a smoky, licorice, cassis, and mineral-scented bouquet. Full-bodied, powerful, yet elegant, it successfully balances complexity with an unbridled richness and power. Very impressive, particularly in view of its exceptional concentration, it will handsomely repay cellaring of two decades or more. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2025.
