97pts Wine Enthusiast

Maturing in two-thirds barrels and one-third amphorae, this wine is already beautiful. Made from 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, it shows a fine balance between dense tannins and elegant, ripe black fruit. The promise for this biodynamic wine is immense and certainly long-term.

96pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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 90% 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. Best after 2027.

95pts James Suckling

Aromas of fresh blueberries, currants, crushed raspberries, tobacco leaves, lemon zest, cocoa and oyster shells. It’s medium-bodied with fine, precise tannins. Supple and silky with excellent freshness. One third aged in terracotta amphora. 90% cabernet sauvignon and 10% merlot. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification.

Wine Spectator

Ripe and direct, with a very forward display of plum and black cherry compote flavors backed by a licorice note. Shows a light singed alder accent on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2027. 900 cases made.

Tasting Notes

Durfort-Vivens 2019 is a cold-blooded animal. The wine has followed its wine making process with composure whereas we were worried about. And now just out from the barrels and clay amphorae, the wine is stunning by its peaceful balance.

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: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot