Kirwan Margaux 2005

94 points (17/20) La Revue du Vin de France: "The 2005 shines with density and brilliance... (2009)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "Has loads of coffee, blackberry and cigar box aromas, turning to crushed blackberry. Full-bodied, with big, chewy tannins and an aftertaste of vanilla, blackberry and espresso. Mouthpuckering. Very concentrated and structured for this wine. Best after 2015. (5/31/08)"

93 points Wine Enthusiast: "Dense and dark, this is an extracted wine with polished fruit. What stops it going over the edge is the delicious sweet fruits, the dense structure and the elegance that gives it shape and aging potential. (Jun 2008)"

93 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guides to the Wines of France: "Very ripe grapes, yet the intense sun of the vintage did not mask the finesse of the terroir in this wine. The wine has a remarkable balance between high alcohol and elegance in body and texture. A future classic of the vintage. Drink: 2011 up to 2025. (2011)"

92+ points Robert Parker: "I remember tasting a number of Kirwans from the 19th century that had held up surprisingly well for over 100 years. While the 2005 will probably not last that long, it may be one of the finest wines this estate has made in the last fifty years. This brilliant, full-bodied, powerful, broodingly backward Margaux exhibits a dense purple hue along with notes of charcoal, licorice, blackberries, and graphite. Exceptionally concentrated, possessing high tannin, zesty acidity, and a 45-second finish, it should be purchased only by patient connoisseurs. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2035. (Apr 2008)"