Chateau Durfort Vivens 2018

Château Durfort Vivens, 2eme Grand Cru Classé Margaux, Bordeaux, France, 2018

Grape Blend: 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 55ha vineyard on deep gravel soil, Very low sulphur, Certified organic & Demeter certified biodynamic production, Vinified in amphora then aged 18 months in new oak barrel (70%) and amphora (30%). Downy mildew reduced the yield to only 7 hl/ha. 

The 62-hectare estate, of which some 55 hectares are planted, has been directed by Gonzague Lurton since 1992 and farmed biodynamically since 2013. Soils are quaternary gravels, with a rather low percentage of clay when compared with the likes of Châteaux Margaux and Palmer, and Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the blend, delivering wines of perfume, intensity and concentration. Lurton finds that physiological maturity and analytical maturity are much more synchronized with the new farming methods, even if in a vintage such as 2018 he's suffered, producing a mere 6,000 bottles. Recent vintages have certainly been on a qualitative roll, and today Durfort Vivens unquestionably lives up to its 1855 second growth status. Given the quality... prices remain decidedly reasonable (William Kelley, Wine Advocate)

"Dark crimson hue. Rich but lifted with lovely purity of fruit. Round, suave and gourmand on the palate but, again, pure, long and fresh. Impressive concentration. Loads of energy and drive. Peacock’s-tail finish. Promises well."

17.5+/20 points, James Lawther MW, JANCISROBINSON.COM, July 2022

"This is a crazy wine. Everything was done by hand, without electricity, because it was made in seven-hectolitre amphora. The grapes were hand-sorted. It's full-bodied with tannins that are integrated so well into the wine, which gives it tension and freshness. Blackberries. Lavender. 10 hectolitres. Best Durfort ever?"

(96-97/100) points, James Suckling, JAMESSUCKLING.COM