Château Durfort-Vivens 2016

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

Shows intoxicating and lifted aromas of dark fruit with subtle spice and elegant herbal nuances, poised and inviting on the nose. The palate is balanced and refined, with silky tannins that integrate seamlessly with concentrated, expressive fruit. There’s freshness, structure and lovely length, carrying the wine to a polished, harmonious finish. Combines elegance, richness and aromatic complexity in a measured, sophisticated style. So, so good.

Aromas of dark fruit, cedar and an underlying herbal note. The palate is medium-bodied and expressive, with rustic fruit. A very appealing wine that’s open and accessible. From biodynamic grown grapes. Drink now. 10 Years On retrospective.

Very rich and – just – avoids being OTT. Perhaps not the subtlest, with a little charry note. But an impressively complex finish. (JR)

The 2016 Durfort-Vivens has an open-knit bouquet with superb fruit purity, almost Pinot-like in personality! Impressive delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannins on the entry and more herbaceous in style compared with its peers, earthier but full of character and demonstrating more freshness than previous bottles. Probably the best bottle that I have encountered, though Gonzague Lurton has since overseen better vintages. Tasted at Bordeaux Index's 10-Year-On tasting in London.

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.

Crayon and slate, plenty of texture on the opening beats, great quality, a little austere, white pepper, capsicum, sandalwood, mint leaf, blackcurrant puree, creme de cassis and crushed rocks. Always a fan of this wine, just starting to come into its drinking window but could benefit from a few more years. 60% new oak.

2016 Durfort Vivens provides a spicy and crunchy nose, with peppery and classic notes. The taste is also very peppery and spicy ending with notes of raw fruit. It is ready to be consumed now, and is a nice wine providing a classic Margaux expression.