Description
Chateau DURFORT-VIVENS owes its name to the Durfort de Duras, a powerful family in the South-West of France that came to Margaux in the fourteenth century. In 1824, the Viscount of Viven’s name was added to that of Durfort. The estate was at the height of it’s fame: the 1844 vintage sold for more than any of the other Second Crus in the Margaux appellation.
95-97 points 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. (RV)(4/2017)
95-96 points 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.(4/2017)
94 points 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. (JA)(4/2017)
93 points 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. (AG)(1/2019)
90-92 points 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. (NM)(4/2017)
Jancis Robinson
Dark purple. Very wild cocktail of aromas. Real lift and freshness. Racy and very distinctive. There is certainly full ripeness but a more delicate touch than most. Good length. Transparency and undertow. A way ahead? 17.5/20 points.(4/2017)
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