Château Durfort-Vivens 2023

This has very fresh, lively and almost al-dente fruit. It’s mouthwatering and juicy. Medium-to full-bodied, refined and seamless. Long, with a firm backbone of tannins that are very fine and polished. Crunchy and structured. Chewy at the end. 92% cabernet sauvignon and 8% merlot. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification.

92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot. Superbe intensité et fraîcheur du bouquet avec une belle alliance entre des notes d’eucalyptus, de feuilles de tabac, de cassis et de cerises. En bouche, le vin incarne la finesse et les détails sur lesquels Gonzague Lurton et ses équipes ont un évident focus. Un vin d’une grande finesse qui se distingue par sa sapidité, son côté salivant et sa persistance. Quelle belle réussite et que de prouesses pour produire un tel vin dans le millésime compliqué qu’était 2023. Chapeau ! 2028-2048

The 2023 Durfort Vivens is once again dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, which represents 92% of the blend. Unwinding in the glass with aromas of minty cassis, plums and berries mingled with hints of pencil shavings and violets, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and layered, with good concentration, sweet tannins and a long, penetrating finish. With a pH of 3.66 and 13.7% alcohol, it's a resounding success. William Kelley

Upon lifting the glass, one is immediately greeted by the fragrance of floral fruit tea, which, upon a moment’s patience, gives way to the ancient, clean scent of an inkstone, evoking the image of a scholar sipping tea and composing poetry in a bamboo grove—utterly content. Compared to previous years, the tannins of the 2023 vintage are notably firmer, feeling in the mouth as if a piece of black ink is slowly dissolving, carrying a bit of severity. Although the Cabernet Sauvignon composition is as high as 92%, it is laden with baskets of berry notes, and its sweet finish beautifully softens the strength of the tannins, quite interesting.