1982 Kirwan

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.