The 2014 Kirwan has a brisk raspberry and wild strawberry nose, a touch confit with rose petal scents emerging with time, the vanilla aspect observed in barrel now completely assimilated. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin and well-judged acidity. Harmonious in the mouth with good body, it builds nicely with cedar and white pepper-infused black fruit, though it just cuts away swiftly on the finish that maybe knocked off a point on the bottle tasting in October 2016, though six months later, a second bottle showed more persistence. This is a commendable Kirwan that should give 15-20 years of pleasure.

Mid crimson. Lively cherry fruit with a note of dusty graphite. Texture is dry and paper fine. Already elegant but maybe not for the very long term? Notable freshness adds length. (JH)