1982 Kirwan
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
Tasted at the château just a week before the rest of these 1982s, but it deserves including because it offers a way to access the splendour of the 1982 vintage at a far lower price point, and truly delivers something memorable. Silky soft tannins that caress the palate, violet and crushed rose petals, tobacco and earth, with very much the emphasis on florality and smoke, fruit secondary. The expectation on opening was that this wine would have faded away, but it enthralled all tasters around the table (who might well give it a far higher score), and delivered a reminder of the exceptional quality of 1982. Bottle variation undoubtedly, but if you are as lucky as we were, you are in for a treat.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Looks quite old. Gentle relic. Drying out. (JR)
The 1982 is a rather loosely knit wine with very good color, jammy, grapey fruit, low acidity, and a lush, supple texture. This medium- to full-bodied wine has a precocious personality, a charming fruitiness, and will evolve rapidly. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 3/89.
The 1982 is a rather loosely knit wine with very good color, jammy, grapey fruit, low acidity, and a lush, supple texture. This medium- to full-bodied wine has a precocious personality, a charming fruitiness, and will evolve rapidly. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 3/89. Jan 1998, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Philippe Delfaut has been integral to the transformation of Ch. Kirwan, taking an estate known for its lavish, Michel-Rolland style and bringing more classicism – with increased precision in the vineyard and winery.