Dense and deeply coloured with a tight garnet rim, this wine is structured(good acidities, fine tannins, medium-bodied from 13.5% ABV) and well fruited(blackcurrants, plums, oranges, spices, certain freshness, and lemony finish). 60% used oak. There are tones of chocolate, cigar box, autumn leaves, tobacco and graphite. Like 2012, 2011 does not give excitement and surprises but is four square with solid character. 2011 is slightly more structured, though. The 92% Cabernet Sauvignon gives certain rigidity, with a mere 6% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc on the conditioning. Not bad as a second wine- lots of mileage. Still enjoyable.
Scores are good, for example, 94 Tim Atkins, also 93WE.
WE93.
The wine is all about firm structure and dense tannins. It is concentrated while hiding rich, generous fruits. It still needs to balance the structure with the fruit. In the future, it will be a rich wine full of power. Edited.
Connoisseur or novice, 2012 is a year for all to enjoy by now. And indeed, it is a joy to experience 2012 Kirwan as a sleeper in the barrel stage to the recent manifestations on the nose and palate of black and red berries – cherry, black currant, and blueberry, enhanced by aromas of spices, pink peppercorns and vanilla. It starts mellow (20% Merlot), then offers the taste buds a rich body and power (68% cabernet), with soft tannins and an acidity that perfectly balances out its silky texture.
There are always some tones of meatiness and toastiness (and some complexities) from the relatively high percentage of balancing grapes, so there are 7% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. However, this percentage level is already one of the highest in Margaux.
Very drinkable now.
The 2012 Kirwan has great USPs of Kirwan. We can think of the following.
Great terroir: the highest point in the appellation, sloping from the Cantenac to Brane; dense gravelly sand.
8000 vines in a HA
60-year-old vines; partial 27 to 30 years old
Complimented as the First in the Third Growth (1855 Classification)
1.5m spacing in the field (not normal 1m) to increase ventilation and hence fruit freshness
New stylistics under the baton of Eric Boissenot
Current stance: more merlot, less balancing grape, less new oak, less late-picked and less jammy in style.
Classic, aristocratic taste: 2012 Kirwan classic Margaux elegance, good purity and structure, well-rounded tannins, attractive red fruit, and is not as meaty as it used to be on the palate.
Scores are not bad.
WE92–94. Barrel sample. This solidly tannic wine is powerful and firm. It's a complete wine, showcasing fruit and tannin elements to give a complex, structured whole. A wine that is for long-term ageing. Edited.
Larson 92. Floral and elegant with wild berries, violet, tobacco and fine spices. Very silky and soft palate, good density of fruit, medium weight but very good length, purity and precision.
Updated: Jul 2, 2024
The Grand Puy Lacoste 2013 vintage wine exhibits a deep ruby colour with a tight rim, showcasing the depth expected from late-picked Cabernets. The aroma presents fresh cassis with hints of truffle, liquorice, and cigar box. The palate has a rich concentration of black fruit, complemented by smooth tannins, resulting in a well-structured and wholesome palate. This 2013 bottle is an intense, classical Pauillac wine with a medium body and adequate length at the Cru level. It peaks in the bottle after approximately ten years of ageing and may appeal to those who enjoy robust Pauillac wines due to its tannins and acidity. It has received a score of 92 from R.P., proposed by N.M., and a Vinous score of 92, indicating its high quality.
So, awarded it 92, R.P. wrote that the blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot contributes to the wine's complexity. Most Cabernet Sauvignon provides structure and tannins, while the Merlot adds a soft, fruity character. The harvest occurred from 30th September to 11th October at 31hl/ha. The blend was then matured in 75% new oak, introducing fragrant red berry fruit on the nose, such as raspberry, cranberry, undergrowth, and a touch of tobacco. This wine is a classic P.L. style, toned down from previous vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, well-judged acidity, and harmonious cedar and tobacco notes on the finish, showcasing a different structure than recent vintages.
AG awarded 92 and commented that the 2013 Grand Puy Lacoste impresses with its balance and energy. It offers layers of dark, inviting fruit alongside graphite, smoke, tobacco, and liquorice, making it a super classy choice. While it is not a huge wine, it is super-polished and delivers a delicious experience.
J.S. gave 91 and said the 2013 Grand Puy Lacoste is dense and straightforward, featuring floral and black currant characteristics with a medium to full body, fine tannins, and a long finish for the vintage.
WE awarded 92 and opined that this well-made, ripe, structured wine exhibits juicy black-currant fruit, firm tannins, and overall balance. It showcases the best of the year with its fruit-forward yet structured nature. It is recommended to be consumed from 2019 onwards.
