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So, we’re in 1947. A legendary vintage. It’s Jean-Pierre Boyer’s very first, working under his father’s tutorage. A mere 78 vintages later, and Jean-Pierre is still making wines in the largest of all of Bordeaux’s communes, Margaux, at his family estate of Bel Air-Marquis d’Aligre. Jean-Pierre has tended the vines and presided over the legendary vintages of 47, 59, 61, 82, in addition to, of course, the 2009 that you’ll be tasting. He is one of only a handful of producers that craft Bordeaux of yesteryear, people who are at one with their terroir. Old school Bordeaux has terroir. 

 

The estate dates back to the 19th century, only bottled for the Marquis and his relatives, in addition to a very select number of restaurants which donned specific, embossed bottles reading “ne pas être emporté”, or, “not to be taken away”. The rules have relaxed slightly now, and it’s available to purchase, though visits are nye on impossible. I’m working on it! 

 

Jean-Pierre is a traditional French vigneron, governed by few, strict philosophies. Top of the list, working until his body fails him. Only Jean-François Fillastre of St Julien’s Jaugauret (the other contender for the wine I was going to send to you!) is comparable in both winemaking style and personal guise. Both truly understand their terroirs, and view their winemaking entirely differently to the modernist, Parker school, if you will; the gravelly landscape of Margaux and St Juilen are thrown out of the window in modernist winemaking, replaced with ego, oak, and extended élevage, that is, the time from fermentation to the bottle. 

 

I do believe these swathe of French vignerons have an innate knowledge, a sixth sense, when it comes to crafting their bottles. Vines are tremendously old, and predating both Jean-Pierre in some cases, even the phylloxera crisis. Led by Cabernet Sauvignon, in conjunction with Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec, you will feel them all work together in perfect harmony. Little oak, with purity of fruit chosen as the vehicle of vinous pleasure. No frills, but flowers - the incredibly unique fragrance one finds in the wines of Margaux. No wine demonstrates Margaux like Bel Air-Marquis d’Aligre. You are in truly hallowed territory with this bottle.

Ch. Bel Air-Marquis d'Aligre 2009

£100.00Price
  • Producer

    Jean-Pierre Boyer

    Location Margaux, Bordeaux
    Cépage Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
    Vintage 2009
    Alcohol 12.5% 
    Size  750ml
    Winemaking Minimal intervention 
    Additional Notes See description! 
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