This estate has been producing impressive wines since the mid-1990s, and much of the credit goes to the talented proprietress, Sophie Schyler. The 2003 Kirwan is a beauty and gets my vote as the finest Kirwan made in the last quarter century. A beautiful bouquet of forest floor, plums, licorice, creme de cassis, and smoke emerges from this opaque ruby/purple-tinged effort. Medium-bodied with plenty of sweet tannin in addition to low acidity, it leaves a beautiful tactile impression that is concentrated yet fresh and lively. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2022+.

A sleeper of the vintage, the 2003 Kirwan exhibits a dense plum/ruby color, sweet creme de cassis notes intermixed with spicy fruitcake and cedarwood, medium to full body, good freshness, sweet tannin and a long finish. This beauty has hit its plateau of maturity, but it is in no danger of falling apart. Drink it over the next decade.

Good deep red. Red raspberry, roast coffee and an overlay of toasty oak on the nose. Sweet and inviting, with supple, fresh red fruit flavors and a seamless texture. Finishes with good breadth and sneaky persistence, with fruit that coats the palate. This has turned out very well.