1996 Château Durfort-Vivens
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Tasting notes
The 1996 Durfort-Vivens is well worth seeking out. Plenty of dark berry fruit mixes with singed leather and pine on the nose, a touch of mint surfacing with time. This is nicely delineated, with a hint of capsicum emerging later. The palate is medium-bodied, nicely balanced with finer tannins than many vintages in the following decade. Yes, it has dried a little with age but has rustic charm and cohesion. Drinking perfectly now, I probably would not leave this too much longer. Tasted at the Durfort-Vivens dinner at Portland restaurant.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Very dark. Warm, tarry nose. Lots of fruit and rather supple structure. Very fine, slightly green tannins. But sufficient nobility, grace and lift to dazzle. (JR)
Bright, lively crimson. Light mineral scents. No great subtlety – rather raw, simple fruit and slightly aggressive tannins. This may develop into something more exciting. (JR)
High tannins and only moderate levels of fruit and ripeness suggest a troubled future for this wine. The color is a healthy dark ruby with some purple tints. The wine is austere, very lean, with a hint of underripe fruit, and the finish is dry, even attenuated. Unless more flesh and fruit emerge, this will prove to be even more disappointing than my score. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2015. Last tasted, 11/01.