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Château Durfort-Vivens 2022 2e Cru Classé, Margaux AC, MC

Château Durfort-Vivens has been in the Lurton family since 1961, when Lucien Lurton purchased it from the Gineset family. For many years, this Margaux estate, classified as a 2nd cru, was considered underperforming. However, since Lucien's son Gonzague took over, the estate has experienced a renaissance.The vineyards of Durfort-Vivens (Cabernet Sauvignon 65%, Merlot 20%, Cabernet Franc 15%) are planted on gravelly soils interspersed with limestone. The vinification process includes approximately 18 months of oak aging in 30-50% new oak barrels.The proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon is the highest of all wines in the southern Médoc in the final blend (82%) and gives the wine its classic cassis characteristics, as well as remarkable tannins and structure. Durfort-Vivens can be enjoyed after about 5 years in the bottle, but continues to improve for up to 10 years. Since 2016, the estate has been certified biodynamic.
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Producer/appellation: Margaux
Wine type: Red wines
Year: 2022
Content: 37.5 cl
Oranic/bio dynamic: Yes

96

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2022 Durfort-Vivens is a heady, explosive wine. Ample and creamy, the 2022 is seriously impressive. The blend is 84% Cabernet Sauvignon and 16% Merlot, a bit more Merlot than normal. That seems to have filled out the mid-palate, adding a level of juiciness that is quite complementary to the wine's underlying structure. Inky dark fruit, new leather, menthol, licorice and lavender build into a finish that is both opulent and virile. Ageing was 16 months, 70% in new oak and 30% in amphora. 01/2025


93

William Kelley

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

The 2022 Durfort Vivens offers up aromas of sweet crème de cassis, violets, boot polish, creamy new oak and hints of saddle leather and cigar ash. Medium to full-bodied, layered and creamy, with a rich core of fruit, sweet powdery tannins and a long, lactic finish, it has turned out nicely but isn't quite as precise as the exceptional 2019 and 2020 duo. 03/2025


94-96

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

The 2022 Château Durfort-Vivens showed brilliantly and is a seriously good wine in the making. Vinified at Brane-Cantenac and aging in 60% new oak, with 40% in amphora, it has a pure, focused, medium to full-bodied style as well as both red and black fruits, some violet and floral nuances, nicely integrated oak, and a great finish. This is one of those wines that builds with time in the glass, and it should clearly be outstanding, if not truly exceptional. 05/2023


96

James Suckling

James Suckling

Rich but very refined and layered, showing spot-on ripeness, the basis for finesse and complexity. Nuanced paprika, minerals, cocoa powder and cigar box with currants and berries. Intense and perfumed, showing fine, dusty tannins and a tight-grained, lengthy finish. Give it three years to soften more, and it will shine. Drink from 2028. 02/2025