Medium-high acid, citrus. Sauvignon blanc primary with some muscadet and semillon — a month ago
Textbook Merlot nose, plum & red fruit backed with sweet vanilla oak.
On the palate this has surprising freshness and lightness of touch. The 14% alc is perfectly integrated. Juicy & fresh, quite savoury, quite delicious.
The tannins are a tad dry, but otherwise - a lovely wine. — 4 months ago
Château Haut-Bages Libéral – Red blend – 2022
Pauillac AOC – Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷
Overview
Left Bank classicism meets modern precision. A Cabernet-dominant blend at 87% and 13% Merlot that showcases Pauillac’s hallmark structure wrapped in surprising elegance. Certified organic and biodynamic, made by Claire Villars-Lurton, one of the leading women in Bordeaux.
Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, graphite, cedar, plum skin, and violets with subtle tobacco leaf, pencil shavings, and cocoa. Young, fresh, and layered.
Mouthfeel
Medium-plus to full-bodied with refined tannins, balanced acidity, and a polished, seamless texture. Harmonious and structured with a delicious, lingering finish.
Food Pairings
Roast lamb, ribeye, duck breast, mushroom ragù, or aged Comté.
Verdict
A beautifully balanced, terroir-driven Pauillac that delivers finesse without sacrificing power. Delicious now, but built to evolve gracefully.
Did You Know?
Château Haut-Bages Libéral is a Fifth Growth from the 1855 Classification, situated next on to Château Latour. The “Libéral” family were 18th-century négociants who selected some of Pauillac’s best parcels, many still form the estate today. — 13 days ago
Lovely, fresh strawberries, some raspberry, cloves, and a super nice forest undergrowth note. Enticing!
Light on the palate, aetheric, yet with some juicy acidity and a light tannic touch. Lovely mouthfeel, juicy, so fresh, so good friendly. Ending with a warm, spicy note.
Aged in amphorae.
Such a lovely wine! — 4 months ago
Lots of violet and bright fruit on the nose. Plum, raisin on the palette. Amazing length, super silky tannins. A beauty!!!!! — 14 days ago
Silky smooth Bordeaux with notes of strawberry jam and tartiflette. — 4 months ago
Robert Torretti
1990 Chateau Lynch Bages in Nebuchadnezzar. At a Lynch Bages dinner for the Commanderie de Bordeaux NY Chapter. Paired over the course of three courses vs the 1995, 1996 and 2000. The 1998 was also served earlier in the evening. So youthful, given the large format. Still got to experience different stages of evolution of the wine as it was poured throughout the night. Well balanced and beat out the other wines that night, with rhe 1996 showing more pepper and spice but also green bell pepper from the Cab Franc. The 2000 also showed strongly, but could not outshine the 1990. — 21 hours ago