Château Durfort-Vivens 2024 en Primeur

Very good, bright fruit with a floral edge to the red cherries and currants. A hint of paprika, white pepper and olives. Nicely balanced and structured, this has supple medium body and an extremely long finish. Juicy, pristine and firm. Lots of poise and beautiful fluidity. 94.5% cabernet sauvignon. From biodynamically grown grapes.

Dark heady fragrance, rich notes of ripe blackcurrants, dark chocolate, tobacco and mint. Smooth and sapid, this has a great lift and life straight away - succulent and fleshy, chalky but also ripe, there’s a great sense of charm here. Filling and fruity. Tapers a little, just softening towards the finish but the aromatics continue for ages. This has structure and frame, not a light wine with plenty of character. I really like it. Feels accomplished with brightness and precision. A restrained touch with gorgeous salty stones and slate. A yield of 37hl/ha. Ageing 70% in new oak barrels, 30% in amphorae for 18 months. 3.75pH.

Lots of chalky blue fruit aromas with the coolness of clay and the freshness of the vintage. Beginnings of creaminess and depth of texture. Bold but ripe tannins and well integrated fruit and depth. Despite its huge percentage of Cabernet, this remains (as usual) very Margaux, and the biodynamic approach has paid off in producing a well balanced wine which will be approachable in relative youth, but keep for a long time.

Dark ruby garnet, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening. Almost entirely Cabernet Sauvignon (94.5%), nuances of black berries, cassis, fresh cherries, candied orange zest. Taut, red berry nuances, good freshness, pleasant minerality, balanced and persistent, a multi-faceted food companion with development and certain ageing potential.