Château Haut-Bages Libéral 2015

A rich and powerful grand wine from Pauillac

The property

The Libéral family managed the Château Haut-Bages Libéral from the beginning of the 18th century. Over time, these fine connoisseurs have gathered the best terroirs of Pauillac. This 5th Cru Classé in 1855 has been owned by the Villars family since 1983, who have invested heavily to restore its former glory by undertaking a complete overhaul of the winemaking tool and directing its vineyard management towards sustainable viticulture.

The vineyard

The 30 hectares of vines, located on one of the most qualitative terroirs of the Pauillac appellation, are cultivated on Gunzian Garonne gravels on a clay-limestone substrate.

The vintage

The winter was generally rainy and conditions improved significantly from April onwards. Water stocks are well available just before a hot and dry summer sets in from June and intensifies in July. Salvific rains in August give a nice boost to the veraison on berries that will however remain concentrated and suggest a harvest of rather low quantity but good quality. The harvest confirms maturities of an exceptional level, worthy of the greatest vintages.

Vinification and aging

Manual harvest. Traditional vinification in concrete and stainless steel vats. Parcel selection. 16 months of aging in French oak barrels (40% new barrels).

Blend

Cabernet sauvignon (65%), merlot (35%)

Characteristics and tasting advice for Château Haut-Bages Libéral 2016

Tasting

This grand Bordeaux wine demonstrates a balance of great precision in the glass. In a full mouth with well-present and firm tannins, it offers a rather energetic acidity that brings freshness to the whole. The aromatic is focused on black fruits, small berries in particular, as well as spices and tobacco. Between indulgence and classicism, Château Haut-Bages Libéral 2015 offers a lot of pleasure up to a long and marked finish.

Ratings

Bettane+Desseauve 95-96/100

Wine Enthusiast: 94/100