2016 Durfort Vivens
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Durfort-Vivens has an open-knit bouquet with superb fruit purity, almost Pinot-like in personality! Impressive delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannins on the entry and more herbaceous in style compared with its peers, earthier but full of character and demonstrating more freshness than previous bottles. Probably the best bottle that I have encountered, though Gonzague Lurton has since overseen better vintages. Tasted at Bordeaux Index's 10-Year-On tasting in London.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Wine Enthusiast
More reviews and scores
Aromas of dark fruit, cedar and an underlying herbal note. The palate is medium-bodied and expressive, with rustic fruit. A very appealing wine that’s open and accessible. From biodynamic grown grapes. Drink now. 10 Years On retrospective.
Crayon and slate, plenty of texture on the opening beats, great quality, a little austere, white pepper, capsicum, sandalwood, mint leaf, blackcurrant puree, creme de cassis and crushed rocks. Always a fan of this wine, just starting to come into its drinking window but could benefit from a few more years. 60% new oak.
The 2016 Dufort-Vivens has a curious nose. I find this harder to work out than the 2015, and it is only after ten minutes in the glass that it settles down to reveal black cherries, raspberry coulis, iodine and violet aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with a spicy opening, quite dense and more powerful than the 2015, although I do not find it has the same finesse on the finish. I was reserved in my judgment in barrel and remain that way regarding this vintage. Tasted at the château.