Château Haut-Bages Libéral 2021

More open than en primeur, very Pauillac; straightforward, structured, with prominent tannins and delicate fruit. Very good length. Excellent; it can—no, it must—age a bit.

Very aromatic on the nose, this has savoury, fruit and floral tones; liquorice, cola and earth with cranberries, strawberries and black cherries. Dense and quite darkly fruited on the palate but with a brightness from the acidity giving a mouthwatering attack before the flavours deepen and widen in the mouth. So many layers, really showing the Pauillac power: everything presented in high definition with a bold structure even though the individual elements are so precise and defined. It's racy and confident but also complex with a spiced cedar, clove, cinnamon, liquorice and wet stone/ chalky element to the tannins that fill the mouth and don't let go. A lovely wine with lots of potential from Claire Villars-Lurton! 65% grand vin. A blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon - the highest percentage ever - and 10% Merlot, which usually comprises between 15 to 25% of the blend. 11.5% press wine. Ageing 16 months, 40% new oak, 40% one-year-old oak, 20% amphoras.

This shows lots of blackcurrants and lead pencil with hints of spices and sandalwood. Medium body with nice fluidity in the center palate and a lovely, juicy finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Delicious and fine. Drink or hold.

The 2021 Haut-Bages Libéral is a powerful, dense wine. Black cherry, mocha, plum, licorice and incense are all amplified in a brooding, dense Pauillac endowed with notable textural richness and tons of sheer power. Aeration releases the wine's bracing acidity and aromatics, yet the 2021 remains quite rich. Yields were just 31.5 hectoliters-per-hectare, about 30% lower than normal. Haut-Bages Libéral is a rare 2021 that needs time to shed some of its considerable baby fat. It's a seriously impressive wine from Claire Lurton. The 2021 was aged 40% in new oak, 40% in once-filled barrels and 20% in a combination of amphora and concrete vat.

Flowers and tobacco leaf accompany the bright red fruits on the nose and palate. Medium-bodied, with softness as well as sweetness in the fresh red currants on the palate, and a touch of refreshing spearmint on the finish. The wine will be easy to enjoy right upon release. The wine was produced from a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. This represents the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend in the history of the estate, 13.2% ABV. Drink from 2024-2039. 90-92

Kunz barrel sample 2022: (Organic, 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot) Velvety, dark, powerful bouquet, blackberries, cherries, cold smoke, cereals. Medium-bodied, fruity palate with dark, sweet fruit, good tannins, fine structure, dark aromatics, long, delicately bitter finish.

(Organic, 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot) Velvety, dark, powerful bouquet, blackberries, cherries, cold smoke, cereals. Medium-bodied, fruity palate with dark, sweet fruit, good tannins, fine structure, dark aromatics, long, delicately bitter finish. 17/20 2028 - 2050

Very open, with notes of fresh small fruits, this wine is driven by lovely tension, a sapid mouthfeel, and refined tannins whose texture evokes the cru’s limestone terroir. No reason to hold back, especially since the prices remain very accessible.

Haut-Bages Libéral shows itself with restraint, yet clearly underlines its terroir and origin. Notes of graphite and cedar are evident. Give it a little time and you’ll uncover hints of black tea, tobacco leaves and black berries. Tasting wine isn’t a race ruled by a stopwatch! Cabernet Sauvignon shapes the bouquet, while Merlot, though only at 10%, brings a touch of charm on the palate. Sleek in style, the wine is harmonious, powerful and already very tempting. A little patience is still required.

Deep, intense color. Very aromatic nose, delicate, fruity and pure. Dense from the attack, with body and energy, the wine develops on a slightly firm frame (limestone soil), yet coated and above all very flavorful. Good structure. Long finish. Blend: 90% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot. Alcohol: 13.2% – pH: 3.6. Yield: 30 hl/ha. Harvest dates: from September 29 to October 10.

Haut-Bages Libéral makes a successful 2021 debut, with an immediate nose that promises a velvety, silky wine. Crushed wild strawberry, a hint of elderflower, and that sensation of biting into limestone shape the aromatic complexity of this wine, which is at once structured, fresh, and classy. Classy.

Dark ruby garnet colour with purple reflections, delicate ochre rim. Delicate blackberry confit and cassis, candied orange zest, some nougat with fine herbal savouriness in the background. Complex, subtle fruit sweetness, good freshness, mineral and persistent, already accessible, has good ageing potential.

Almost pure Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has very fine, sophisticated black-currant aromas, followed by dark tannins on the palate. It's fine acidity is reflected in the rich flavors that are structured with a rounded aftertaste. Drink from 2028. Organic.