From the Schroder and Schyler family, the 2012 Kirwan is dense ruby/purple and exhibits notes of cassis, licorice and a touch of toasty oak, followed by a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, tightly knit, but very promising Margaux. Concentrated, long and rich, this wine is still playing it close to the vest. It should be at its best in another 5-7 years and last at least two decades.

Lively, with a sleek, polished toast coating the core of boysenberry and blackberry fruit. A bit primal, with grippy tannins and bittersweet ganache on the finish. Shows solid depth. —J.M.

This muscular, firmly structured, intense, powerful 2012 exhibits an attractive ruby/purple color along with aromas of flowers, black currants, vanillin and a hint of graphite. A modern styled Margaux with plenty of muscle, firmness and a more tannic structure than other wines of the appellation, it will benefit from several years of cellaring and can be drunk over the following 12-15 years. Drink: 2013 - 2028

Tasted from a barrel sample at en primeur. The Kirwan 2012 is a blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot picked from 28 September. It has a ripe, sorbet-like freshness on the nose with kirsch, wild strawberry and a touch of crème de cassis. The palate demonstrates good extraction on the entry. There is a pleasant salty tang here, good body and presence with a “solid” finish that bodes well for the future. You feel that the wine has been pushed to the limit, but not over it. The Kirwan may merit a higher mark after bottling. Tasted April 2013.

Very concise and clear aromas of blackberries and minerals. Full body, with fine tannins and a slightly hollow center palate, but well done for the vintage.

Extremely dense. Sappy and vital – most attractive – nose. Then just a hint of green on the palate. But there is energy here. Just a slightly strange (oak?) note. Drink 2020-2034.

Mid crimson. Fragrant and leafy but not green. Maybe even a touch minty. Underneath there's fresh dark fruit and just a hint of oak sweetness. Tannins are thicker and softer than on many wines of this vintage but the overall effect is gentle, perhaps a little too much so on the finish. (JH)