Chateau Durfort Vivians Margaux 2eme Cru Classe 2015  £100.00

Chateau Dufort Vivians Margaux 2eme Cru Classe 2015

Château Durfort-Vivens owes its name to the Durfort de Duras, a powerful family in the southwest of France that came to Margaux in the 14th century. In 1824, the name of Vivens was added when Viscount Robert Labat de Vivens inherited the property.

This 55-hectare second growth, now owned and run by Gonzague Lurton, is one of the finest in Margaux. The vineyards are planted with 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc at a density of 6,600 to 7,700 vines per hectare on deep gravel soils. The grapes for Château Durfort-Vivens are vinified in a mixture of oak and concrete vats and aged for about 18 months in barriques. Gonzague converted 20% of his vineyards to biodynamic viticulture in 2009. Pleased with the results, he increased the area to 40% the following year and completed the conversion in 2013. The vineyards are fully certified from the 2016 vintage.

First produced in 2004, ‘Vivens’ is Château’s second wine and is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, sourced predominantly from younger vines. The wine is aged for 16 months in 20% new oak barrels and 80% one-year-old barrels. 

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 vine's vigour, removing excess buds, shoots and leaves. Gonzague Lurton, the current head of the estate, has introduced organic and biodynamic farming to the vineyard.

2015 experienced ideal weather conditions. June was warm, dry and sunny resulting in excellent flowering conditions. August and September were dry and not too hot with cool nights, enabling the grape varieties to ripen fully. Good weather during harvest made it possible to wait for the ideal ripeness before picking.

Fermentation occurred in a mixture of oak and cement tanks, with enough capacity to vinify each parcel separately. Château Durfort-Vivens was aged in fine-grained oak barrels for 18 months with 60% of the wine in new barrels. Regular racking and fining accompanied this stabilisation period before bottling.

Château Durfort-Vivens 2015 is an exceptional wine combining smoothness and aromatic freshness. Rich and powerful on the nose, with a harmonious bouquet of black fruits, liquorice, violet and vanilla pod. These aromas carry through onto the palate, supported by mineral freshness and an excellent persistence on the finish.