Brouilly's Rarest Amphora Masterpiece
2018 Jean-Claude Lapalu Alma Mater Brouilly
Aged entirely in terracotta amphorae and sourced from ancient vines, this perfectly cellar-aged 2018 masterpiece from Jean-Claude Lapalu completely shatters expectations of what Beaujolais can be. As one of the undisputed legends of the region, Lapalu only crafts the "Alma Mater" cuvée in exceptional years, releasing a microscopic amount to the world. The warm 2018 vintage yielded incredibly rich, concentrated fruit, and by aging it in porous clay pots, Lapalu achieved a breathtaking level of p…
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80-Year-Old Vines: Sourced from massive, deeply rooted vines planted decades ago, yielding microscopic clusters of intensely concentrated, complex fruit.
Microscopic Rarity: This is Lapalu's absolute top-tier flagship cuvée, making it exceptionally difficult to find on the US market.
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Tasting notes
Aroma
Erupts with gorgeous wild strawberry, dark cherry, and blood orange, wrapped in deeply intoxicating layers of crushed stones and exotic baking spice.
Palate
Seamless, energetic, and flawlessly smooth. A concentrated core of ripe red berry fruit glides across the palate, framed by ultra-fine tannins and a massive surge of mouthwatering minerality. It finishes exceptionally long, clean, and elegant, practically begging to be paired with roasted poultry or a classic charcuterie board.
Red Wine Body Profile
Light
Bold
Body Profile
Delicate
26/100 Intensity
Light
Bold
26.0/100
Feather-light
Delicate
Lifted
Structured
Deep
Grapes
100% Gamay
ABV
14.2%
Serving
53–58°F
Window
2025–2047
In Detail
Lapalu’s ultimate, ancient-vine Gamay
Aged entirely in terracotta amphorae and sourced from ancient vines, this perfectly cellar-aged 2018 masterpiece from Jean-Claude Lapalu completely shatters expectations of what Beaujolais can be.
As one of the undisputed legends of the region, Lapalu only crafts the "Alma Mater" cuvée in exceptional years, releasing a microscopic amount to the world. The warm 2018 vintage yielded incredibly rich, concentrated fruit, and by aging it in porous clay pots, Lapalu achieved a breathtaking level of purity, silken texture, and vibrant energy. Now at eight years old, this is a profound, serious Gamay that easily rivals Premier Cru Burgundy for a fraction of the cost.
