Château Durfort-Vivens, Margaux 2ème Cru Classé
Vintage: 2019
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | CM504B19 | 6 x 75 | Natural Cork | Available |
Producer
Château Durfort-Vivens is a Second Growth, 55-hectare estate that is widely regarded to be one of the finest producers in Margaux. It is currently owned and managed by Gonzague Lurton, who, together with his wife Claire, is known for his early commitment to organic and biodynamic vineyard practices.
The estate’s vineyards are in four villages within the Margaux appellation, Cantenac, Soussans, Margaux, and Arsac, planted with 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc on deep gravel soils. Gonzague converted 20% of the vineyards to biodynamic viticulture in 2009. Pleased with the results, he increased this to 40% the following year before embarking on full conversion in 2013. The vineyards of Château Durfort-Vivens have been certified both organic and biodynamic since the 2016 vintage.
Gonzague works with Technical Director Léopold Valentin and Cellar Master Jean-Jacques Hurteaud in the winery. Together, they have modernised the cellars, which now boast one of the largest amphorae collections in the world. The Grand Vin, a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, is vinified in a combination of oak and concrete vats. It is then aged for 18 months in 60% new French oak barriques. The result is a benchmark Margaux: rich and powerful yet staggeringly elegant.
Gonzague replaced the second wine ‘Vivens’ with the three ‘Les Parcellaires’ wines from the 2019 vintage, seeking to highlight the subtle differences of each parcel.
‘Les Plantes de Durfort-Vivens’ is made from 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc, sourced from younger vines within the estates and aged for 16 months in a combination of clay amphorae (80%) and French oak barrels (20%). The final wine is defined by its remarkable freshness and marries aromas of ripe black fruits with a subtle spiciness.
‘Le Plateau de Durfort-Vivens’ is a step up in intensity and is designed to represent power. It is made from 65% Cabernet and 35% Merlot sourced from 25-year-old vines, grown on deep sandy gravel soils and aged for 16 months in a combination of 66% in clay amphorae and 33% in French oak (10% new). As a result, the final wine is defined by its brooding black fruit character, complemented by excellent grip on the finish.
Finally, ‘Le Hameau de Durfort-Vivens’ embodies elegance. A blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon and 47% Merlot, aged in amphorae and oak barrels (with 15% new oak), it has a beautifully scented nose alongside bright notes of blackberry and crunchy plum fruit, velvety tannins, and vibrant acidity on the palate.
Vineyards
Located in the communes of Margaux, Cantenac and Soussans, the Durfort-Vivens' vines are planted on hilltops made up of deep, poor gravel. This magnificent terroir enables an early optimal ripening of the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, allowing a full expression of the finesse and silkiness of the tannins, resulting in the freshness and elegance characteristic of a great Margaux. All vineyard work is done by hand at the beginning of the vegetative cycle. Pruning is adapted to the vigour of the vine, with the removal of excess buds, shoots and leaves. Gonzague Lurton, the current head of the estate, has introduced organic farming to the vineyard.
Vintage
Continuing the tradition for years ending in 9, 2019 presented us with another superb vintage. It follows 2015, 2016 and 2018, recalling a similar series of excellent vintages at the end of the 1980s. After a hot, dry summer which continued until the weekend of 20 September, and despite two heatwaves, in June and July, the Margaux appellation n has produced a particularly high-quality vintage, and one of the most abundant for the last 20 years.
Vinification
Upon arrival at the winery, the hand-harvested grapes were carefully sorted and destemmed. Each parcel was vinified separately and fermentation took place in a combination of oak and concrete vats. Following fermentation, the wines were aged in French oak ,40-45% of which was new, for 18 months, before the final blend was assembled and bottled.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
This vintage offers a very subtle expression of finesse, elegance, freshness of fruit and a harmonious finish. On the nose, there are intense aromas of violets, blackcurrant jam and touch of cloves. On the palate, there are hints of spice and light tobacco with smooth, silky tannins. It is a well-balanced and elegant wine, with a long and lingering finish.
Alcohol (ABV)
13.5%
Acidity
5.43 g/l
pH
3.7
Other wines from this producer
Producer | Wine | Product Code | Features | Style | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Château Durfort-Vivens | `Les Plantes` de Durfort-Vivens Margaux | CM507 | R | Factsheet | |
| `Le Plateau` de Durfort-Vivens Margaux | CM508 | R | |||
| `Le Hameau` de Durfort-Vivens Margaux | CM509 | R | Factsheet |