Château Durfort-Vivens 2016

Huge aromatic potential, maximum density, tension and breed, incredibly long, perfectly delineated, abyssal, mineral, juicy, and also crisp. Immense wine.

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.

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.

What a difference a vintage makes! Showing deep color with lush, supple textures, flesh and finesse, the wine is wrought with sweet, polished, ready berries, freshness, length, complexity and depth. Produced from a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, this is best wine I've ever tasted from Durfort Vivens!

Kunz barrel sample 17: peppery, sweet bouquet, red cassis, elderberry, caramel. Medium-bodied, slender palate with an angular structure, sandy tannins, light aromatics, drying finish.

Peppery, sweet bouquet, red cassis, elderberry, caramel. Medium-bodied, slender palate with an angular structure, sandy tannins, light aromatics, drying finish. 16/20 2024 - 2034

Astonishing concentration of substance and noble tactile sensations, with the fruit clearly eclipsing the oak. Impressive length and the effortless natural balance of a very ripe vintage.

Intense dark color, already showing evolution. Discreet nose, and above all very evolved. Slightly overripe character. Soft on the attack, flavorful mid-palate, with a light body and flavors reminiscent of wood and damp earth; overall, the wine lacks fruit throughout. Is it the wine itself or a faulty bottle?

From the first vintage when this vineyard was fully certified biodynamic, this wine reveals an estate in its stride. It has richness and great depths along with a line of black fruits and acidity. Concentrated and tannic, the wine will age. Drink this long-lasting wine from 2026.