Quite nice. Classic and recognizable as a Margaux. Nice acid, firm tannins, solid mid palate. At 25 euro an easy 90 points. — 10 months ago
2016 vintage. 65% Sauvignon blanc with 35% Sémillon. At the time this estate was owned by Jean-Michel Cazes (Lynch Bages and more recently Haut-Batailley), but the current owners are the Groupe Ballande (Bordeaux négociants who also own Prieuré Lichine and Baret). Exotic fruit and a hint of flowers. Round and ripe with enough acidity in this warm vintage. Good length with impressions of vanilla. Good value. — 5 years ago
Ready to drink, great mouthfeel. — 10 years ago
Château Prieuré-Lichine 2023 – Margaux, Grand Cru Classé en 1855. BDX France 🇫🇷
Overview
A developing Margaux showing early aromatic charm and layered complexity, with youthful structure and noticeable oak integration that will benefit from short-term aging.
Aromas & Flavors
Red cherry, raspberry compote, wild strawberry, subtle vanilla pod, sweet baking spice, light cedar, emerging floral tones and faint graphite.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with tight but refined tannins, good mid-palate tension, clean line of acidity, and a structured finish that signals further evolution ahead.
Food Pairings
Duck breast, herb-crusted lamb rack, porcini risotto, roasted chicken with thyme, aged Gruyère.
Verdict
Already expressive and layered, but still in its formative phase. A couple more years will soften the tannins, integrate the oak, and elevate aromatic precision and depth.
🍷 Personal Pick
Not ready to fight for my podium of winnings wines for immediate consumption yet — but the engine note is promising. Worth revisiting soon.
— 4 months ago
2016 vintage. While this estate has been in the hands of the same family since 1858, it is under the reigns of current owner Eduard Miailhe that Siran is showing its true potential. The vineyards are situated in Labarde, the Southern part of the Margaux appellation, surrounded by Crus Classés Dauzac, Prieuré- Lichine and Giscours. 2016 was the first vintage made by oenologist Marjolaine Defrance, with Hubert de Boüard (Château Angélus) as consultant since 2014. It's a blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc, aged for 12 months in French barriques (35% new). Obviously it's way too young to show its full potential, but it is a terrific effort, undoubtedly at Cru Classé level. Concentrated black fruit (cassis, cherries, blackberries), violets, licorice and a subtle touch of cedar wood. It displays classic Margaux elegance, complexity, impeccable balance and considerable length. At only 28 euros this is one of the finest values in Margaux that should drink well over the next 20 to 30 years. — 6 years ago
Château Kirwan 2023 – Margaux, Grand Cru Classé. BDX France 🇫🇷
Overview
A poised and expressive Margaux showing immediate charm while clearly structured for further evolution, delivering finesse, persistence, and a notably elongated finish compared to its peers in the flight.
Aromas & Flavors
Red cherry, wild strawberry, ripe raspberry, crushed rose petal, subtle vanilla, sweet spice, light cedar, gentle graphite undertones.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, excellent mid-palate energy, lifted acidity, and a long, persistent, and increasingly intense finish that carries well beyond the sip.
Food Pairings
Duck confit, herb-roasted chicken, veal chop with mushroom jus, lamb loin, aged Comté.
Verdict
Head-to-head with Château Prieuré-Lichine in overall quality, but Kirwan separates itself on finish length and persistence. Already surprisingly enjoyable today while still clearly benefiting from additional bottle age.
🍷 Personal Pick
The surprise overachiever of the Margaux flight, already fun now, but patience will unlock its real podium potential. — 4 months ago
2016 vintage. A blend of Merlot (76%), Cabernet Franc (4%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (20%). Owned by the Ballande family (also Prieuré-Lichine and Villa Bel Air). Amazing value! — 3 years ago
Lovely. Took awhile to open up but once it did it was delicious. — 10 years ago
Bob Boyle
Decent, good acid & balance w/medium finish — 2 months ago