Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of one week. Consistently enjoyable throughout but it seemed to be at its very best around Day 3 through Day 7 (when I enjoyed the last pour). The 2010 pours, a deep garnet color with a near opaque core and showing some slight rim variation; medium+ viscosity and moderate staining of the tears with some sign of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with tart and ripe notes of cassis, plums, tobacco, Fresno chilis, purple flowers, dry leaves, organic earth and faint baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The fruit is a touch more tart on the palate and there is also a sort of dry leather note that I didn’t get on the nose. The finish is medium+. A mesmerizing, dense wine that certainly has a very long road ahead. Great stuff. Drink now with patience through 2050 (assuming good cellar conditions).

Best BAMA ever. Young bottle but so so good.

Big stones, earthy, mineral, darker red currants diverging on black. Smells more angular which is the vintage for sure. Lots of herbs. Huge minty and floral. It’s very grapey but also very dusty. Gorgeous nose but def younger than the 11. Stunning though. Mushrooms on the nose. The tannins are much bigger and substantial. Juicy and clean. Needs mega air. This really came together after air. Big structure and that Margaux finesse. Amazing fruit and such an old library effect on the nose. Phenomenal.

Wow, so earthy and mushroomy. Margaux florals are singing. Red currants. leather, smoke, spice, so many aromas. A 9.7 nose. Lights out. Peppermint. Candy cane. So complex and diverse. Dried leaves. Wet leaves. Tree bark. Juicy and clean with lovely sweet red currant fruit, terrific freshness and some gritty tannins. Great acids and finesse. Cocoa powder and a bittersweet mocha on the finish linger. Spectacular. Such fine tannins and glorious cherry fruit now. BAMA kills in every vintage. After 20 minutes the nose closed as did the palate. I will wait.

Mushrooms, earthen aromas, damp leaves, dried cherry, cranberry bog and so floral with fresh cherry flavors and a vibrant energy. Long, tangy, fresh and deep. Needs 2 hours. Youngest bottle I’ve had in years.

Wow what a wine. Stunning florals. spice and tobacco. Palate is just gorgeous. Pure and so balanced. Long finish. Amazing plum fruit. Brilliant showing.

First things first, the wines of Bel Air Marquis d’Aligre or “BAMA”, as they are affectionately known, are not for everyone. They are essentially relics of a bygone era, made by a man who has largely resisted change over the last 74 years. Yes, that’s right, Jean-Pierre has been making the wine at BAMA since 1950. While nearly everyone around him has adopted whatever technology or technique that is trending, Jean-Pierre has held fast to his tradition. Before I get into the tasting notes, it’s worth sharing that opening a bottle of BAMA is a wild trip. A spirit walk of sorts. There are periods when you think the wine is fading and then minutes later, it’s a whirling dervish. It transformed every 20 minutes so be ready for the ride of your life.

Popped and poured; consumed over two days. Remarkable throughout. In the glass, the wine is a deep garnet color moving towards a rust color rim; slightly hazy with a near opaque, translucent core. Medium viscosity with light staining of the tears and some signs of fine sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous showing notes of desiccated cherries, currants, rhubarb, prunes, pomegranate, tobacco, cedar box, a well-conditioned horse saddle, an old library, espresso, roasted Brussels sprouts and damp earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+?) tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is seriously 5 minutes long; it’s got the elegance of Margaux with an unctuous texture. Truly remarkable. A veritable abyss of complexity. Drink now with patience but honestly, I’m not even sure a wine like this ever dies so I wouldn’t be concerned about holding these for another couple decades. Special thanks to @Lyle Fass for the assist.

Smells like sitting next to Churchill: old booze and cigar smoke. Aromas of Rhubarb, green stems, cassis and worn leather. The 27-year-old wine comes together more pleasantly on the palate with medium weight, good acid and balance showing still some freshness. Gravel and present tannins with aging fruit.

Slama Bama Thank you Mama!

Shows 2009 with its ripe fruit profile but shows the Aligre touch with its intense silkiness and mesmerizing leather, spice and floral aromas. Got silkier and more elegant as the wine aired. Seemed young and entering some level of maturity at the same time.