2005 Château Kirwan, Margaux, Bordeaux

A third-growth, this intense, powerful and concentrated wine should play to its strengths in a vintage such as 2005, with its enormous tannin and density. This is one of the more backward of the 2005s, quite masculine, tannic and bold, with a deep ruby/purple color, lots of spice, a touch of wood and new oak as well as a medium to full-bodied, rather backward, tannic mouthfeel. Its all there, and the wine certainly has plenty of concentration, but it needs another 3-5 years of cellaring. It should drink well for at least a quarter of a century.Robert M. Parker, Jr. - 29/06/2015

Ch. Kirwan is a Troisième Cru Classé Margaux property that has hit form in the last decade after years of producing wine not meriting its Cru Classé status. Kirwan takes its name from its Irish proprietor who was, rather unfortunately, guillotined in 1792. Arguably the finest vintage of the decade, 2005 produced true vins de garde, and the finest Cru Classé, such as this, are just starting to show at their best. There is exceptionally rich and rounded Cabernet fruit here, but with the beguiling charm that one would expect from Margaux. Ten percent Petit Verdot in the blend adds a spicy complexity to the wine. Magnificent now, this will continue to develop well for another five or six years.