Description
‘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.
Deep ruby in colour. On the nose aromas of blackcurrant, black cherry and plum are married with notes of tobacco spice and cedar. On the palate firm but ripe tannins give structure and a lifted acidity carries the complex flavours onto the lengthy finish.
Château Durfort-Vivens is a second-growth Margaux estate that owes part of its name to the Durfort de Duras, a powerful family in southwest France that came to Margaux in the 14th century. In 1824, the name ‘Vivens’ was added when Viscount Robert Labat de Vivens inherited the property.
This 55-hectare estate, widely regarded as one of the finest in Margaux, is currently owned and operated by Gonzague Lurton. Its 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. Gonzague converted 20% of the vineyards to biodynamic viticulture in 2009. Pleased with the results, he increased this area to 40% the following year before embarking on full conversion in 2013. As a result, the vineyards of Château Durfort-Vivens have been fully certified both organic and biodynamic since the 2016 vintage.
Recently, the estate has added three further cuvées produced from specific plots across the estate, highlighting the three defining characteristics of the Grand Vin: freshness, power and elegance. This wine being one of the three.
13.5% ABV/75cl
