Wine Enthusiast 97Points
Barrel Sample. Maturing in two-thirds barrels and one-third amphorae, this wine is already beautiful. Made from 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, it shows a fine balance between dense tannins and elegant, ripe black fruit. The promise for this biodynamic wine is immense and certainly long-term.
Decanter 96Points
Expressive nose of perfumed red cherries and black plums. Great texture here, so much clarity and freshness - like freshly pressed cherry juice with excellent acidity giving lift to the quite heady strawberry and redcurrant nuances. Tannins are chalky and grippy but also soft and fine. The mouthfeel is round and generous, there is richness and complexity here combining minerality, florality and depth of seductive fruit flavour with a delicious menthol touch at the end. The flavours linger long in the mouth. A wine I immediately wanted another glass of. Extremely good quality.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 96Points
The 2019 Dufort Vivens is a brilliant Margaux, unwinding in the glass with aromas of blackberries, licorice, sweet soil tones, spices and rose petals. Full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with a fleshy core of fruit, rich, powdery tannins and a lively spine of acidity, it concludes with a long and penetrating finish. The blend is dominated by fully 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, which lends the wine immense nobility. Anyone who isn’t aware of just how good Gonzague Lurton’s wines are these days should taste a bottle.
James Suckling 95Points
Aromas of fresh blueberries, currants, crushed raspberries, tobacco leaves, lemon zest, cocoa and oyster shells. It’s medium-bodied with fine, precise tannins. Supple and silky with excellent freshness. One third aged in terracotta amphora. 90% cabernet sauvignon and 10% merlot. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Try from 2025.
Vinous 95Points
The 2019 Durfort-Vivens has fleshed out nicely. Silky, red/purplish fruit, blood orange and pomegranate give this plush Margaux fabulous depth. Time in the glass brings out very pretty floral accents to round things out. This classy Margaux is elegant, nuanced and polished. It's a terrific effort from Gonzague Lurton.
