Château Durfort-Vivens 2015

Proof of the excellent work that has been done at Durfort Vivens over recent years. It has lashings of dark fruit that is clearly ripe, but they have held back on the throttle, offering a slice of classical Margaux for drinking over the next ten to twenty years. This is their third vintage in biodynamics. 40% of overall production in this wine.

An impressive wine that reflects the superior quality of Margaux in 2015; the nose is bathed in ripe blackberries and ripe dark cherries. Very plush and suave palate. Effortless depth with fresh, cool dark berries that flow long into the finish. So much pleasure here. Try from 2021.

The 2015 Durfort-Vivens has a perfumed bouquet with more ripeness and perfume than the previous vintage. Buoyant red berry fruit, blueberry and a touch of violet; it is perhaps more Margaux-like than the 2014. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, fleshy with fine acidity, a touch of white pepper and clove toward the finish, and a hint of espresso on the aftertaste. This is a superb Durfort-Vivens, arguably the finest up to that point. Tasted twice, both at the château and at Jascott’s Bordeaux tasting in London.

Medium-bodied, elegant, fresh and forward with sweet, fresh, dark cherries and cassis from start to finish. 88 - 90 pts

Dark ruby garnet, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening, rather restrained bouquet with nuances of ripe cherries and plums, a hint of blossom honey. Juicy cherry fruit, fine sweetness on the palate, integrated tannins, a fresh structure, medium complexity, already easy to drink, with certain medium-term ageing potential.

Deep purple-garnet, dense at the core, with purple highlights on the rim. Concentrated bouquet, slightly dry on the attack, plenty of black cherry and elderberry notes. On the palate, firm, substantial and very aromatic. The vinification clearly took a different direction here, and that’s meant in a very positive way. Still has room to improve.

(90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot) Vegetal, fresh bouquet, red and blue berries, tobacco, fresh wood. Classic, elegant palate with fine fruit, plenty of tannin, finely firm structure, good aromatics, long, bitter finish. 17/20 2024 - 2038

The colour is purple with lovely, delicate aromas. The wine is smooth, charming—very charming indeed—with a length that is admittedly moderate for now, but a classy, elegant finish. Ageing will extend it.

Garnet red with slight violet highlights. An elegant bouquet, very typical of its terroir, with refreshing notes and a touch of black berries. On the palate, the wine has body, a hint of richness, and mirrors the aromatic profile. The tannins unfold slowly on the finish and align with the structure. Bitter notes on the finish. A wine that will require patience; however, overall, it lacks a bit of depth.

Dark, intense color. Discreet, fruity nose. Slender-bodied palate that develops with abundant fruit, without any tannic edge. However, the overall expression remains restrained.

94–96. Barrel Sample. This is a seriously structured wine, although one with great fruit potential. It has a dense texture, dusty tannins and powerful fruits that will develop into a long-lasting wine.