I remember tasting a number of Kirwans from the 19th century that had held up surprisingly well 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.

Freshness is the hallmark of this wine. The fruit is dominant, ripe and balanced with blackberry acidity. There is a possible hint of overextraction, but that is only a small failing in such a delicious wine. Wine Enthusiast 93 Points Aromas of cedar, spice box, incense, burning embers, black currants, and new wood jump from the glass of this full-bodied, structured effort. Behaving more like a Pauillac than a Margaux, it is a long, concentrated, powerful wine meant for long aging. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025.