Kirwan 2018 (3.0L)

92-95 WS / 92-93 JS / 93 DE / 91-93 WA / 89-92 VM

Very expressive, with polished cassis, raspberry and blackberry puree flavors, carried by silky but substantial grip. The refined and persistent finish lets the fruit play out nicely. A lovely wine in the making. - James Molesworth, Wine Spectator

Tight and very focused this year with blackberries and olive and bark undertones. Full body, chewy tannins and a savory and juicy finish. Solid. - James Suckling

The dark and serious fruit here is less exuberant than some and heads towards a more intellectual take on the vintage, possibly due to the concentrating effect of the 25hl/ha yields, a result of mildew and the summer heat. It has great persistency and spice, although the aromatics take a while to reveal themselves. The fresh acidity suggests this is going to age extremely well. 

50% new oak. 13% Petit Verdot makes up the blend. - Jane Anson, Decanter

The 2018 Kirwan is deep garnet-purple in color and gives intense, lifted scents of kirsch, black raspberries and warm cassis with nuances of rose hip tea, tar, fragrant earth and wild sage. The full-bodied palate delivers a great intensity of vibrant fruit with loads of earthy nuances and a firm, fine-grained frame, finishing long and perfumed. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate

The 2018 Kirwan is bold and potent in its first impression. A rush of dark red/purplish fruit makes a strong opening statement. Today, the 2018 is a bit chunky and rough around the edges. Hopefully élevage will take care of some of that. This is an especially rich, bombastic style. There is no lack of fruit or intensity, that much is obvious.- Antonio Galloni