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The March 2022 Auction: Part 3
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Lot 107
Estimate: $100
This auction has ended. Bidding is closed.
Collection name
Reviews
KLWM
"In Sauternes, an appellation that is more well-known for wine chĂąteaux than for the talented people that work the soil and make the wine, ValĂ©rie and Daniel Alibrand are braving it on their own without the safety net enjoyed by their more established neighbors. Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant has a tradition of buying direct from the vigneron, which is not easy in Bordeaux, where brokers play a dominant role in the dealings and add a percentage to the cost of each bottle. Finding just the right fit in Bordeaux may be rare for us with standards like these, but when it happens, it is a rewarding feeling. It was love-at-first-sip when Kermit tasted the wines of Domaine de lâAlliance, and we are proud to welcome them to our portfolio. The Alibrands are relatively new to wine, having started Domaine de lâAlliance in 2005, upon the purchase of the vines from ValĂ©rieâs side of the family. Although Daniel had been an Atlantic fisherman by trade, the two jumped at the opportunity to start their new vocation in ValĂ©rieâs hometown. Such a leap of faith has not been without its struggles, however, and the Alibrands have been attracting quite a bit of attention for such newcomers. They farm seven hectares of vineyards in the village of Fargues, known for the eponymous and prestigious wine chĂąteau to which their land runs adjacent. They are fortunate to have old vines, which impart fabulous complexity to the wine, although it means lower yields than are the norm for Sauternes. (The yields for Sauternes average around 25 hectolitres per hectare, however while Alibrandsâ vines only get 10-13, like Yquem.) They started farming in lutte raisonnĂ©e but have recently begun the three-year conversion process to have their vineyards certified as organic. Alliance refers to the marriage between man and nature, a fitting homage to this decision, and the salamander on the label pays tribute to the many they regularly find in their vineyard. Bordeaux Blanc DĂ©finition: 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 50% SĂ©millon; Average 50 years; Gravel, Clay, Sand [soils]"
Region
White
Country
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The world's most influential fine-wine producer and the benchmark for Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and the Rhone. Its appellation (AOC) system codifies geography, grape and method, and its wines set the global standard for age-worthiness and terroir expression.
The world's largest fine-wine region, built around blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Divided by the Gironde estuary into the structured Left Bank and the plush, Merlot-led Right Bank, it is the historic benchmark for age-worthy claret and sweet Sauternes.
2017 in Bordeaux was marked by damaging April frost that cut yields; unaffected vineyards made fresh, classically styled wines of moderate weight and charm, generally accessible early and best over the medium term.
Yields crisp, aromatic whites with citrus, herb and grassy notes. It shines in the Loire, Bordeaux blends and around the world for its refreshing zip.
Prized both for age-worthy dry whites and, when affected by noble rot, the great sweet wines of Sauternes. It offers waxy texture and honeyed depth.
