Giscours Margaux 2005

95 points James Suckling: "This is a beautiful Giscours with tension and finesse. It's full-bodied and shows plenty of berry and spice character, not to mention a long, silky-textured finish. It seduces you with each sip. Why wait? (11/17/15)"

95 points Wine Enthusiast: "This chateau gets better and better. The wine has power, but it is harnessed by the intense fruits, the blackberry flavors, the density and the wood. With the power, though, comes elegance, resulting in a wine that is ready to develop over many years. (Jun 2008)"

95 points (17.5/20) La Revue du Vin de France: "Concentrated, the 2005 vintage combines charm and structure. (2008)"

94 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "(62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot). Classic balance, still showing intensity and concentration, fragrant spices and truffle that walk the line of tertiary yet with decades ahead of it. Blackberry, blackcurrant, liqourice, cocoa bean, creamy texture as it opens, excellent quality, with fresh acidity underpinning the palate. Good stuff. Harvest September 22 to October 6, 50% new oak for ageing. Didier Forêt technical director and Jacques Boissenot consultant. Alcohol 13%. Drink: 2024-2040. (2/7/24)"

94 points James Lawther, MW (Decanter): "This is a powerful wine with good ageing potential. The nose is ripe and creamy with plenty of dark fruit and spice complexity. The palate is rich, full and gourmand with Cabernet-cassis notes coming through. There's a big tannic frame that shows the more masculine side of this Margaux. The finesse may be missing but there's a lot of wine here. Drinking Window: 2021-2040. (7/8/21)"

'Top 100 Wine of 2008 (#94)' and 93 points Wine Spectator: "Displays blackberry, cherry and hints of sweet tobacco. Full-bodied, with soft, velvety tannins and a long, caressing finish. Very pretty and solid. This is structured and chewy. Needs time. Best after 2013. (3/31/08)"

93 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guide to the Wines of France: "Deeply colored and very powerful on the nose, with the dark chocolate aroma typical of very hot years. Firm tannins, high alcohol. A very vigorous wine that will slowly find its balance over the course of bottle aging. Drink: 2011 up to 2030. (2011)"