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 concen...

Ripe vintages raise all boats, to misquote the old saying. And Kirwan, a property that rarely floats our boat, has shown off a nice bit of curranty fruit and an inviting openness that will make it well worth its relatively favorable pricing. We would rate it in the 88-90 point area.

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.

Community Tasting Notes (average 87.3 pts. and median of 89 pts. in 16 notes)

Rating: (90-92) - As reviewed in Wine Advocate # 152 on Apr-04

Rating: 92/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator on 03/06

tasted at the kirwan chateau

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