2020 - Durfort-Vivens, Margaux

Stands out in the lineup, among the best vintages that we have tasted, vibrates through the palate, utterly gorgeous, bilberry, cassis, rosebud, cured leather, anis, black tea, sea spray. 70% new oak, 30% TAVA amphora, Leopold Valentin technical director, Eric Boissenot consultant, Gonzague Lurton owner.

The 2020 Durfort-Vivens is a dense, concentrated wine, just as it was en primeur. Blackberry jam, grilled herbs, lavender, menthol and chocolate are some of the many notes that build as the 2020 shows off its breadth and sheer power. Striking inner perfume and sweet aromatics lend an exotic flair that is so distinctive. Superb.

The 2020 Durfort Vivens has turned out beautifully, unwinding in the glass with aromas of dark cherries and berries mingled with hints of licorice, baking chocolate and mint. Medium to full-bodied, deep and fleshy, it's layered and concentrated, with lively acids and broad structural shoulders, its generous endowment of powdery tannin asserting itself on the youthfully firm finish. More tightly wound than the extroverted, charming 2019, the 2020 will demand patience, but it's a very strong performance for this estate.

88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot. Cask sample.More structured and tannic than 2019 or 2018 but still with an explosion of fruit. Floral and dark-fruit notes. Ripe but fresh with crunchy fruit on the palate and fine-grained tannins. Mouth-watering, saline finish. Potential to age. (JL)