"Dark and deep, this wine reveals aromas of blackcurrant, black cherry, and milk chocolate, with floral notes. Full-bodied and juicy, it expresses itself fully in the glass. Exuberant and powerful, it boasts a beautiful tannic structure and a rich texture. On the palate, herbaceous and medicinal notes, along with raspberry, strawberry, and red cherry, make up the fruity bouquet. The tannins are exceptionally refined and perfectly balanced, while maintaining a silky texture and lovely density. It’s one of those wines that makes you smile—a true Favorite. The sweetness brings a gentle softness to the cheeks, and the acidity is ideal. I also love its savory character; the licorice and clove notes are perfectly balanced and truly deliver the power of a Pauillac. A very accomplished wine, a true star.” (Decanter 2023) - Delivery in a wooden case is available for orders of 6 bottles of this wine (depending on country and selected shipping method)
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Eye
Deep purple color
Nose
A captivating bouquet of wild berries (blackberries, blackcurrants) and blood orange, along with herbal, floral (rose, violet), and mineral (graphite) notes
Palate
A lively and fresh attack, with lovely aromas and high-quality tannins. This wine could be likened to a dancer, blending strength and elegance
Serve
At 17-18°C
Open
2 hours before
Drink from
2027
Drink before
2048
Food and wine pairings
Serve with black pudding with apples, duck breast with grapes, or apples poached in red wine...
Bettane & Desseauve
Rated estate (2018 guide): 3 stars (High-quality production, setting the standard in its sector)
About the estate:
Part of the vineyard borders that of Château Latour and should contribute to the character of this Pauillac. Significant improvements are expected in the future, as the owner, Claire Villars-Lurton, decided in 2013 to begin converting her vineyards to biodynamic viticulture. This was necessary because the wine lacked finesse in many vintages.
Decanter
Wine rated (2023 guide) 96/100
About the wine:
Dark and deep, this wine reveals aromas of blackcurrant, black cherry, and milk chocolate, with floral notes. Full-bodied and juicy, it expresses itself fully in the glass. Exuberant and powerful, it boasts a beautiful tannic structure and a rich texture. On the palate, herbal and medicinal notes, along with raspberry, strawberry, and red cherry, make up the fruity bouquet. The tannins are exceptionally refined and perfectly balanced, while maintaining a silky texture and lovely density. It’s one of those wines that makes you smile—a true Favorite. The sweetness brings a gentle softness to the palate, and the acidity is ideal. I also love its savory character; the licorice and clove notes are perfectly balanced and truly deliver the power of a Pauillac. A very accomplished wine, a true star. 2027–2048
Guide Hachette des vins
Rated Estate Award-winning Wines (This producer's wines are regularly recognized by the guide)
About the estate:
This estate owes its name to the Libéral family, brokers who owned the property in the 18th century, and to its geographical location: half of its 30 hectares of vineyards are situated on the Bages plateau, behind Pichon-Baron, while the other half adjoins Château Latour. Acquired (and replanted) by the Cruse family in 1960, the estate passed to the Merlaut-Villars family in 1983, who restored it to its former glory, particularly under the leadership of Claire Villars-Lurton, who has been at the helm since 1999 and is also the owner of Château Ferrière (a classified growth in Margaux).
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Wine rated (2024 guide) 95/100
Rated estate (2018 guide) Selected (Please note that this guide is a ranking, and as such, all the estates listed here—even those without a star—represent, in our view, the pinnacle of French winemaking.)
About the wine:
This vintage continues to improve, with a beautifully balanced wine in 2020. There is a chalky texture on the palate, reflecting the limestone soils. The wine is full-bodied and savory, with fresh tannins that lend length to a very clean finish.
About the estate:
Owned by the Merlaut family, Haut-Bages Libéral is managed by Claire Villars-Lurton, who also oversees Châteaux Ferrière and La Gurgue. She is working to restore this Fifth Growth—which boasts a splendid vineyard plot situated very close to Latour—to the prestige it deserves. She is a staunch advocate of an approach that prioritizes elegance and refinement. While the wine may sometimes seem to lack a bit of body, its tannic structure has improved significantly.
Vinous
Wine rated (2023 guide) 96/100
About the wine:
Haut-Bages Libéral 2020 is exceptionally beautiful and lively. Hard candy, kirsch, rose petals, cinnamon, and blood orange are just a few of the many notes that unfold on the palate. With magnificent purity and velvety smoothness, Haut-Bages Libéral captivates with its intensity. A vibrant acidity punctuates a precise and lingering finish. Magnificent. 2028–2050
James Suckling
Wine rated (2022 guide) 97/100
About the wine:
Aromas of blackcurrant, orange peel, and green coffee beans unfold on the palate, offering a beautiful structure with round, supple tannins. A tangy, juicy finish with notes of rose. A full-bodied and intense wine, with hints of old vines, bark, and black truffle. Solid and promising, it has a bright future in the cellar. 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Merlot. Made from biodynamically grown grapes. Demeter certified. Best enjoyed after 2027.
Le Figaro vins
Wine rated (2021 guide) 95/100
About the wine:
A nose with an immediate freshness, reminiscent of an abandoned garden where vegetation is slowly taking over the flower beds. Something wild and vibrant, with salty notes of aromatic herbs. 2030–2048
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