Château Durfort-Vivens owes its name to the Durfort de Duras, a powerful family in the south-west 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.

Durfort-Vivens is an illustrious 2nd growth – right up there with Bordeaux’s best! It has a long, rich history and with the current steward of the property, Gonzague it was the first estate in Margaux to go fully organic and is now fully biodynamic, too. The estate now puts 20% of the wine in clay amphora to add layers of complexity outside of oak barrels and preserve fruit and freshness in their wines. We have been blown away by the value of this estate which lies immediately next door to the much more expensive Château Margaux.

Elegant but also intense, complex and layered. Extremely clear liquorice and black spices, with waves of soft floral, rose and violet, notes alongside a wild cocktail of aromas including leather, tobacco, smoke and liquorice. The core of the wine is still delicious dark Cabernet fruit flavours.