Appellations

Durfort Vivens 2017

Margaux, Second Growth

GBP Price: Size Quantities Units status Actions
Tasting Notes

The 2017 Durfort-Vivens is potent, but also quite structured and forbidding at this stage. The very high percentage (91%) of Cabernet Sauvignon in this vintage gives Durfort much of its character. Classically austere in the best sense of the term, the 2017 looks like a wine that is going to need a good bit of time to unwind. Grilled herbs, smoke, tobacco and incense develop in the glass, and yet the 2017 is only showing some of its cards. Yields are down about 35% because of frost, but the damage was mostly contained to parcels in Soussans as opposed to those that inform the Grand Vin.

Score: 91 - 94 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Date: 01 May 2018

Deep greyish crimson. Fragrant and leafy. Cassis leaf and graphite, cigar box. Light-bodied but succulent and harmonious. Elegant and persistent, with fine-grained tannins.

Score: 16 - 17 Julia Harding MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2023-2035 Date: 25 April 2018

Very long and driven on the palate with asphalt, blackcurrants and violets. Full body, tight and intense. Hints of hazelnut at the end. Demeter certified biodynamic.

Score: 94 - 95 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 06 April 2018

Charming and stylish, showing bright floral lift throughout while red currant and raspberry fruit, along with mineral and rooibos tea notes, glide through the silky finish.

Score: 89 - 92 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Date: 04 April 2018

There's impressive depth to the cassis fruits here, with the same amount of Cabernet as in 2015 (although 2016 was even higher, at 94%). The vines are up to 60 years old and are planted on clay-sand-gravels along with some deeper gravel soils. There is a beautiful balance in this wine, showing great persistency but not shouting, and the fruit has a clear line of sight. Very low sulphur, expected to be 55ppm. 60% new oak. Biodynamic.

Score: 93 Jane Anson, Decanter.com Maturity: 2025-2038 Date: 01 April 2018