Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Kirwan is scented of red plums, cassis, redcurrants, earth and cigar box. The palate is medium-bodied, lean, chewy and lively with an earthy finish.

Fresh and open in feel, with a caressing edge to the plum and cherry fruit, followed by light lilac and incense notes through the finish. - James Molesworth (WineSpectator.com, April 2017)

The 2016 Kirwan is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 4% Petit Verdot picked up 49 hectoliters per hectare between 27 September until 18 October. The nose needed some encouragement from the glass, perhaps not quite as cohesive as I was expecting, angular black fruit with a dash of white pepper. It just felt rather broody and unsettled at this early stage. On the palate, I discerned some hardness on the tannin, rendering this a more masculine Kirwan that will hopefully flesh out once in bottle. With a new winery, I am anticipating great things from Kirwan. This might be a wine that will blossom later than others, so I will keep a watchful eye. - Wine Advocate #230, April 2017

A fresh and clean wine with currant and wet-earth character. Medium body and a medium finish. - March 2017

Dark purplish crimson. Some freshness on the nose with a hint of ink and pencils. A certain 'mineral' scent. A very slight green note but not bad at all, and certainly not forced. Real Margaux charm. Lift and pleasure in a dry idiom. Drink 2026-2042. - jancisrobinson.com, April 2017

Deep crimson with purple rim. Ripe dark fruit and a touch smoky. Firm tannins but there’s so much lovely fruit here it pours over the structure like a fountain. Pure cassis and just fresh enough. (JH)