Chateau Durfort Vivens 2020 Magnum (1,5l)

Product info about Chateau Durfort Vivens 2020 Magnum (1,5l)

Chateau Durfort Vivens 2020 in magnum is a red Bordeaux from Margaux with real left-bank identity. It is the grand vin of Château Durfort-Vivens, a Deuxième Grand Cru Classé from the 1855 classification, presented here in a 1.5 litre bottle. The magnum format gives the wine a more ceremonial feel, but it is still the same estate wine rather than a separate cuvée.

The 2020 vintage is firmly led by cabernet sauvignon, making up 88% of the blend, with merlot completing the remaining 12%. The fruit comes from vineyards within the Margaux appellation, including Margaux, Cantenac and Soussans, planted on deep gravel soils with sandy to clay-influenced subsoils. At Drankenshop Broekmans, this bottle stands out for the way it brings together classified-growth Margaux pedigree with a notably committed vineyard approach: the estate works organically and biodynamically and obtained both certifications in 2016.

In the cellar, the wine was made parcel by parcel, with native yeasts, gentle extraction and no oenological additions during vinification. It then matured for 18 months, with 70% in new oak barriques and 30% in TAVA amphorae. That detail says a lot about the style: structured and serious, yet with freshness and mineral tension kept clearly in view.

The producer indicates that the wine can be approached from 2025, with 2040 mentioned as a peak moment. In magnum, this is very much a bottle for patient Bordeaux drinking, especially for those who appreciate Margaux with depth, poise and a long horizon. Only the last bottles of this magnum remain.

The aromatic profile is built around dark fruit: blackcurrant, blackberry, dark cherry and blueberry. Around that core come classic savoury cabernet notes of black olive, graphite, pencil shavings, liquorice, mint and tobacco leaf. Floral touches, rosemary, spice, mineral nuances and a hazelnut-like note add further detail.

On the palate it is medium to full in body, concentrated and firmly structured. The tannins are powerful yet fine-grained, with a velvety or powdery feel. Lively acidity keeps the ripe fruit fresh, and the finish carries tension, dark fruit, savoury depth and mineral accents. Serve at around 16 to 18 °C, preferably after 1 to 2 hours in a carafe.