Chateau Bel Air Marquis D Aligre Margaux 2018

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.

The 2018 vintage in Margaux was warm and balanced, producing wines with ripe fruit, elegant tannins and refined structure, resulting in expressive, approachable yet age-worthy Margaux. Château Bel Air Marquis d’Aligre 2018 is crafted from the estate’s classic Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. True to the domaine’s traditional style, the grapes are fermented with native yeasts and the wine undergoes an extended period of élevage in concrete vats followed by a short stint in neutral barrels before returning to concrete for further maturation, helping to preserve purity of fruit and delicate aromatics. In the glass it offers a subtle bouquet of ripe red and black fruits, floral nuances, undergrowth and gentle spice, with fine tannins and a refined, lengthy finish. This expressive Margaux pairs superbly with roast lamb, braised beef, duck and robust game dishes, as well as mature cheeses. Now approaching its peak drinking window, the 2018 shows elegant development while retaining freshness, and it can continue to evolve over the next 5-10 years.