The 2016 Durfort-Vivens is gorgeous. Cabernet Sauvignon aromatics and structure play off the natural intensity of the year beautifully. Blackberry, grilled herbs, licorice, leather and crème de cassis are all vividly sketched in this layered, expressive Margaux. Readers should expect a dark, exotic Margaux that stands a bit apart from the norm for the appellation. Drink 2024-2041.
The 2016 Durfort-Vivens has a light gravel and undergrowth-tinged bouquet, quite well defined and focused, that gradually opens with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin and a little green around the edges, with a peppery note on the finish. Frustrating, as this was so promising out of barrel, but its shortcomings cannot be overlooked. Drink 2019-2024
