2018 Le Relais de Durfort-Vivens, Chateau Durfort-Vivens

Deep ruby in the glass, this second wine of Château Durfort-Vivens is pure Margaux elegance, fragrant, poised, and beautifully detailed. Aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and violet rise from the glass, layered with hints of cedar, tobacco leaf, and subtle spice. On the palate, it’s supple yet structured, with polished tannins and refined balance. The amphora ageing adds a distinctive purity and roundness to the fruit, the cassis and plum gliding seamlessly over a core of minerality and freshness. The finish is long and graceful, leaving a quiet echo of oak, earth, and dark fruit. A biodynamic Margaux with both soul and style.

For when: the conversation’s thoughtful, the table’s candlelit, and the wine steals the scene.
Pairs with: roast duck, beef fillet, or wild mushroom risotto.
If this wine were a design, it’d be modern architecture - sleek lines built on timeless foundations.

Château Durfort-Vivens is one of Margaux’s great Second Growths, classified in 1855 and revered today for its elegant, terroir-expressive wines. Owned and run by Gonzague Lurton, the estate has been certified biodynamic since 2016, making it a pioneer among Bordeaux’s classified growths. Its vineyards, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, lie on deep gravel soils that deliver finesse, perfume, and precision.

Le Relais de Durfort-Vivens, the château’s second wine, showcases the same care and complexity as the Grand Vin, crafted with fruit from younger vines and aged in a mix of amphora and oak to preserve vibrancy and texture. The 2018 vintage, from a warm but balanced year, captures Margaux’s signature elegance, ripe, refined, and quietly confident.