2019 Château Durfort-Vivens
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Tasting notes
The 2019 Durfort-Vivens was matured in two-thirds new oak barrels and one-third in amphorae. Plush on the nose with blueberry and violet scents, this is Margaux in style though much tighter than I anticipated. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fine delineation and poise. It's pretty delineated towards the finish that shows more mineralité than previous vintages. There is an appealing linearity here, a trait that Gonzague Lurton seeks in his wines. Excellent. Tasted at the château.
Critic scores
James Lawther MW, jancisrobinson.com
James Lawther MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot. Aged 18 months in barrel (60% new oak) and amphora (one-third). Organic and biodynamic (Demeter) certification. Bright crimson hue. Lively and lifted with expressive dark-fruit notes. Pure and suave but fresh. Acidity a little more present but tannins very fine. Long, clean and well constructed. Along the lines of 2016 but a notch below. (JL)
The 2019 Dufort Vivens is a brilliant Margaux, unwinding in the glass with aromas of blackberries, licorice, sweet soil tones, spices and rose petals. Full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a fleshy core of fruit, rich, powdery tannins and a lively spine of acidity, it concludes with a long and penetrating finish. The blend is dominated by fully 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, which lends the wine immense nobility. Anyone who isn’t aware of just how good Gonzague Lurton’s wines are these days should taste a bottle.