Chateau Bel Air Marquis D Aligre Margaux 2016

Château Bel Air Marquis d'Aligre (BAMA) stands apart in Margaux for producing timeless, old-school Bordeaux wines that defy modern trends. Far removed from the polished, fruit-forward styles common today, BAMA wines are celebrated for their elegance, purity and remarkable aging potential. Crafted by legendary 90-year-old Jean-Pierre Boyer, who has vinified 72 vintages using traditional methods, these wines reflect the estate's deep roots in Bordeaux history. Unlike many modern Bordeaux, the estate does not use new oak; the wine is aged traditionally in concrete vats for an extended period of three to seven years before bottling, reflecting an old world style that prioritises pure expression of terroir. Each vintage is a complex blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, expressing the unique character of its historic vineyards, some of which date back to the pre-phylloxera era. No additives, fining, or filtering are used; fermentation is spontaneous, and sulphites are minimal (10 mg/L), making these wines both natural and vegan-friendly. With only 3 of its 13 hectares actively farmed, BAMA remains a rare gem for collectors and connoisseurs seeking authentic Margaux wines with structure, soul and a true sense of terroir.

Château Bel Air Marquis d’Aligre 2016 is made from a classic Bordeaux blend of approximately 35% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc and 15% Petit Verdot, all vinified without modern extraction or heavy manipulation. Fermentation is carried out naturally followed by extended ageing in large concrete vats, preserving a more delicate fruit profile and avoiding the influence of new oak. The wine shows a medium deep ruby colour with a fragrant bouquet of black cherry, plum, graphite, cedar and subtle spice, leading to a refined, textured palate with fine tannins and lively acidity. Its elegant structure and perfumed character make it a superb match for roast lamb, beef en croûte, venison or mature cheeses. Now entering maturity, the 2016 offers complex tertiary notes while retaining vibrant fruit and is expected to continue evolving gracefully with careful cellaring over the next decade or more. While this wine does not typically receive 95-100 point scores from major critics due to its understated and unconventional style, it is widely respected among collectors for its rarity and the expressive purity of its terroir.