Chateau Durfort-Vivens 2016 - 750ml

97pts Wine Enthusiast

Now certified biodynamic, this estate is on a roll. This vintage is very fine, rich and well structured. The dry core is contrasted by black fruit flavors. It is going to be generous and concentrated; there is long-term aging potential here.

96pts James Suckling

This is really superb with beautiful density and ripe tannin texture. Full body and a round and polished texture. Rich and impressive but all in class. Made from biodynamic grapes. Almost all cabernet sauvignon.

94pts Decanter

Now biodynamically certified by Demeter as of the 2016 vintage, this has a full 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc. This was a great year for Cabernet, certainly as you move further up the Médoc, and it is flexing its muscles here. I just love this, it has a true sense of forward motion but it is also intense, complex and layered. Extremely clear liquorice and tight black spice, with waves of soft floral, almost violet, notes. Sometimes a forgotten estate in Margaux, as far as any 1855 property can be forgotten, but we are going to see the plaudits increase over the next few years, and this is sounding the starting gun.

93pts Vinous

The 2016 Durfort-Vivens is gorgeous. Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics and structure play off the natural intensity of the year beautifully. Blackberry, grilled herbs, licorice, leather and crème de cassis are all vividly sketched in this layered, expressive Margaux. Readers should expect a dark, exotic Margaux that stands a bit apart from the norm for the appellation.

92pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2016 Durfort Vivens, which I tasted at a négoçiant tasting, is a blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Merlot, the vineyard now biodynamically farmed and Demeter approved. I have criticized this Margaux on previous occasions due to lack of ripeness, but certainly the nose does not display any of that. This 2016 comes armed with attractive blackberry, bilberry and sous-bois aromas that gradually unfurl in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with an insistent grip on the entry. The tannins feel quite bold for Durfort-Vivens, with plenty of sappy black fruit. I appreciate the acidic drive of this Margaux and the finish is energetic, full of tension and leaves a lovely, almost brine-like aftertaste. This is one of the best wines from Gonzalgue Lurton that I have tasted in recent years.

About the Wine

This is the second label, from younger vines, and this wine comes from the fantastic 2016 vintage. It is full of licorice, dark chocolate and blackberry, all wrapped in an elegant and smooth package.

Tasting Notes

An intensely fruity nose with notes of mirabelle plum blending harmoniously with touches of cedar. Château Durfort-Vivens 2016 has a powerful and acidic attack. The tannins are elegant. A finish with length and finesse.

About the Winery

From the 14th century, the Durfort de Duras family was one of the major landowners in the Médoc. What was once a hunting lodge on their land in Margaux became, during the 17th century, a winegrowing estate of excellence. In 1758, the Château was given to George Ainslie, wine merchant in Scottish wine, whose last daughter married le Chevalier de Vivens. It’s their son, who added his name to Durfort in 1824. Generally considered a 2nd cru since 1745, the estate was naturally classified so in 1855. Château Durfort-Vivens was acquired by Château Margaux of which Léonce Récapet was then the main shareholder. A few years later, a grandson of Léonce, Lucien Lurton, a great winegrower and defender of the Bordeaux terroir, bought the property back. We were then in 1961.

Blend: 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Merlot

Biodynamic