1998 Bel Air Marquis d'Aligre
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Tasting notes
The 1998 Bel Air Marquis d'Aligre from this eccentric estate is a pretty middle-weight that's already fully mature. Exhibiting aromas of orange rind, sweet red berries, tobacco leaf and dried mint, it's medium-bodied, supple and melting, with a sweet core of fruit and a soft, giving profile. While the 1998 vintage can sometimes be assertively structured, this particular wine is if anything somewhat facile.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 1998 Bel-Air Marquis d’Aligré is a vintage that I have not tasted before. It is showing some bricking on the rim at 21 years of age. The open, generous bouquet evokes red fruit, tomato vine and just a touch of Italian delicatessen. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin, a splash of Worcester sauce infusing the red fruit with a delicate touch of spice toward the finish. This is drinking beautifully now and I would probably not age it too much longer. Tasted at the Vine Trail portfolio tasting in London.
Pale ruby. Sweet, mellow nose. Very gentle if slightly underpowered. No tannin to speak of and nicely round leathery notes – like a comfortable old pair of slippers. (JR)