2010 - Durfort-Vivens, Margaux

Austerity remains in the 2010 even at 16 years old. Focus on cocoa bean, black chocolate, liquorice root, a ton of hidden power, latent energy, sleek. Very much in the DNA of the vintage, and has decades to go ahead of it. 20ha of biodynamics, finished harvest on October 20, the latest on record. Jerome Heranval technical director.

The 2010 Durfort-Vivens has impressive intensity on the nose with scents of blackberry, cedar, allspice and graphite, so that it develops and almost Pauillac-like personality with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with fine delineation and acidity. This completely shades preceding vintages of the decade, not a powerful Margaux and yet very well balanced with admirable purity on the finish. This is drinking supremely well at this moment but should give another 15-20 years of drinking pleasure. Tasted at the Durfort-Vivens dinner at Portland restaurant.

74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc. Aged 18 months in barrel (50% new oak).Deep crimson colour. Dark fruit and mint notes with a hint of anise or fennel (similar to that found in Le Plateau 2019). Succulent fruit on the mid palate with integrated tannins. Long, persistent finish. Definitely more precision and balance. Plenty of life and tension. (JL)