Scoring double 96 points from the Wine Advocate's William Kelley and Decanter alongside double 95 points from Jane Anson of Inside Bordeaux and Vinous's Antonio Galloni, this blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot wowed Hindle so much that she 'immediately wanted another glass'. The palate is 'deep and concentrated' (WA) but with this being countered by 'so much clarity and freshness' (DC), it is 'hard not to be impressed by the balance on display here' (JA). A Margaux with serious agebility, this 2019 vintage has a drinking window up to 2065.

 

This Durfort-Vivens 2019 really is a 'brilliant Margaux' (WA). As William Kelley states, 'anyone who isn’t aware of just how good Gonzague Lurton’s wines are these days should taste a bottle' of this.

Wine Enthusiast (97)

In this wine, the tannins are velvety, with black fruits that are immensely concentrated. The texture and powerful tannins provide superb foils for the fruit. Drink from 2027. Organic and biodynamic.

Wine Enthusiast (97)

In this wine, the tannins are velvety, with black fruits that are immensely concentrated. The texture and powerful tannins provide superb foils for the fruit. Drink from 2027. Organic and biodynamic.

The Drinks Business (95-97)

Durfort-Vivens (Margaux; 97% Cabernet Sauvignon; 3% Merlot; aging for 18 months, 70% in new oak, 30% in amphora; tasted at the property). Cool, deep, austere and beautiful – with a very natural, elegant plunge-pool purity. Sesame seeds, very dark pure and crystalline berry fruit with damsons and sloes too, cassis and concentrated raspberry coulis; a suggestion of walnut oil too – rare in this vintage. There is a hint of the cedar to come, but this is much more about the fresh pulpy fruit for now. Violets, preserved violets and the parfumier’s essence of violet; hyacinth and peony too. Wild, herbal and slight gamey elements appear with greater aeration. This is texturally sublime on the entry with a lovely core of black cherry and damson fruit, ultra-refined tannins and great presence, compact density and purity. This is a wine with great concentration, depth and delineation – a combination that is very rare and very difficult to achieve in this vintage. An exceptional wine, with something of the calm tranquillity and refined grace and elegance of Pichon Comtesse de Lalande in recent vintages. One of the stars of the appellation and, indeed of the entire Médoc.

The Drinks Business (95-97)

Durfort-Vivens (Margaux; 97% Cabernet Sauvignon; 3% Merlot; aging for 18 months, 70% in new oak, 30% in amphora; tasted at the property). Cool, deep, austere and beautiful – with a very natural, elegant plunge-pool purity. Sesame seeds, very dark pure and crystalline berry fruit with damsons and sloes too, cassis and concentrated raspberry coulis; a suggestion of walnut oil too – rare in this vintage. There is a hint of the cedar to come, but this is much more about the fresh pulpy fruit for now. Violets, preserved violets and the parfumier’s essence of violet; hyacinth and peony too. Wild, herbal and slight gamey elements appear with greater aeration. This is texturally sublime on the entry with a lovely core of black cherry and damson fruit, ultra-refined tannins and great presence, compact density and purity. This is a wine with great concentration, depth and delineation – a combination that is very rare and very difficult to achieve in this vintage. An exceptional wine, with something of the calm tranquillity and refined grace and elegance of Pichon Comtesse de Lalande in recent vintages. One of the stars of the appellation and, indeed of the entire Médoc.

The Drinks Business (95-97)

Durfort-Vivens (Margaux; 97% Cabernet Sauvignon; 3% Merlot; aging for 18 months, 70% in new oak, 30% in amphora; tasted at the property). Cool, deep, austere and beautiful – with a very natural, elegant plunge-pool purity. Sesame seeds, very dark pure and crystalline berry fruit with damsons and sloes too, cassis and concentrated raspberry coulis; a suggestion of walnut oil too – rare in this vintage. There is a hint of the cedar to come, but this is much more about the fresh pulpy fruit for now. Violets, preserved violets and the parfumier’s essence of violet; hyacinth and peony too. Wild, herbal and slight gamey elements appear with greater aeration. This is texturally sublime on the entry with a lovely core of black cherry and damson fruit, ultra-refined tannins and great presence, compact density and purity. This is a wine with great concentration, depth and delineation – a combination that is very rare and very difficult to achieve in this vintage. An exceptional wine, with something of the calm tranquillity and refined grace and elegance of Pichon Comtesse de Lalande in recent vintages. One of the stars of the appellation and, indeed of the entire Médoc.

James Suckling (96-97)

The quality of the tannins are pure velvet yet so, so fine in texture. Medium to full body with a weightless presence and beautiful heart. Rose stem and other flowers. 84% cabernet sauvignon and 16% merlot. From biodynamically grown grapes. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (97)

The 2023 Durfort-Vivens is more impressive in bottle than it was as a young barrel sample. Dark and enveloping, the 2023 possesses superb depth and presence from start to finish. Blackberry, licorice, mocha and dried herbs all build in a positively stellar Grand Vin. There's so much to look forward to. Aging was 18 months, 70% in French oak and 30% in amphora.

Elevate your wine collection with the Durfort-Vivens Blanc de Noir 2022, a striking expression from the acclaimed Château Durfort-Vivens estate in Margaux, Bordeaux. This unique Blanc de Noir embodies the commitment to biodynamic viticulture by the Lurton family, with the bold yet elegant blend of Merlot and Cabernet derived entirely from dark-skinned grapes.

Beneath the sapphire skies of 2022, these grapes were meticulously harvested and barrel fermented, developing an opulent profile brimming with notes of dark berry, velvety tannins, and a whisper of exotic spice. The Durfort-Vivens Blanc de Noir 2022 is not just a wine; it encapsulates the rich history of Bordeaux, a testament to the estate's 19th-century origins and its unwavering dedication to produce world-class wines. Relish in the allure of this limited edition vintage, a treasure amongst wine connoisseurs.

James Suckling (97)

Smelling this great Chateauneuf is like gazing into a deep chasm. Amazing complexity with aromas ranging from black raspberries through to candied orange, but also notes of raw meat and licorice. Super-concentrated, super-structured, but also more elegant than a wine built on this monumental scale can theoretically be. Extremely long, complete finish. A cuvee of 80% grenache, 10% syrah and 10% mourvedre. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (97-99)

5 Star Wine. 12 rows below and 8 above going up to the top, planted 1920. Four whole barrels this year! 13,000 plants per hectare for horse work and no space wasted. Rich imperial purple, with little bouquet at first request. Super-succulent, oak shows a little here, suave finish, Clos de Bèze keeps its majesty under wraps, a discreet queen of Chambertin. Beautifully poised….

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (97-99)

5 Star Wine. 12 rows below and 8 above going up to the top, planted 1920. Four whole barrels this year! 13,000 plants per hectare for horse work and no space wasted. Rich imperial purple, with little bouquet at first request. Super-succulent, oak shows a little here, suave finish, Clos de Bèze keeps its majesty under wraps, a discreet queen of Chambertin. Beautifully poised….

Jasper Morris Inside Burgundy (97-99)

5 Star Wine. 12 rows below and 8 above going up to the top, planted 1920. Four whole barrels this year! 13,000 plants per hectare for horse work and no space wasted. Rich imperial purple, with little bouquet at first request. Super-succulent, oak shows a little here, suave finish, Clos de Bèze keeps its majesty under wraps, a discreet queen of Chambertin. Beautifully poised….

Vinous - Neal Martin (96)

The 2021 Chambertin Clos-de-Bèze Grand Cru has plenty of fruit on the nose: raspberry, cranberry and bergamot, with hints of crushed stone and blood orange merging with time in the glass, all delivered with wonderful delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannins, very pure with raspberry, strawberry, rosehip and a touch of mint. Cohesive with impressive density on the finish, this is an excellent Clos de Bèze. Tasted blind at the Burgfest tasting.