95/100
Vinous
94/100
Wine Enthusiast
93.5/100
Le Figaro
93/100
James Suckling
93/100
Yves Beck
“A true explosion of flavors, showcasing the power of Pauillac. A magnificent wine, full of potential, from Claire Villars-Lurton! ~ Decanter”
“Haut-Bages Libéral 2021 is a powerful, dense wine. Black cherry, mocha, plum, licorice, and incense come fully to the fore in this deep, dense Pauillac, which boasts a rich texture and remarkable power. Aeration reveals lively acidity and vibrant aromas, while retaining a beautiful richness. The yield, at just 31.5 hectoliters per hectare, is about 30% below normal. Haut-Bages Libéral is an exceptional 2021 vintage that will continue to mature. It is a truly impressive wine from Claire Lurton. " (Vinous 2023) - Delivery in a wooden case is available for orders of 12 bottles of this wine (depending on country and selected shipping method)
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Eye
A beautiful, deep, rich color
Nose
Aromatic notes of dark fruits (blackcurrant and cherry), tobacco, mint, licorice, incense, and flowers
Palate
Beautiful acidity, silky tannins, generous fruit, complexity, great precision, and a well-defined structure
Serve
At 17-18°C
Open
2 hours before
Drink from
2027
Drink before
2045+
Food and wine pairings
Pair with cherry duck, braised beef cheek, aged soft cheeses...
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.
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
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 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.
Wine Enthusiast
Wine rated (2024 guide) 94/100
About the wine:
Made almost exclusively from Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine offers very delicate and refined aromas of blackcurrant, followed on the palate by silky tannins. Its lovely acidity is reflected in its rich, structured flavors, which come together in a rounded finish. Best enjoyed starting in 2028. Organically grown.
Vinous
Wine rated (2023 guide) 95/100
About the wine:
Haut-Bages Libéral 2021 is a powerful, dense wine. Black cherry, mocha, plum, licorice, and incense come through fully in this deep, dense Pauillac, which boasts a rich texture and remarkable power. Aeration reveals lively acidity and vibrant aromas, while retaining a beautiful richness. The yield, at just 31.5 hectoliters per hectare, is approximately 30% below normal. Haut-Bages Libéral is an exceptional 2021 vintage that will continue to mature. It is a truly impressive wine from Claire Lurton. Aging was carried out 40% in new oak barrels, 40% in oak barrels that had previously held wine, and 20% in a combination of amphorae and concrete tanks. 2031–2051
James Suckling
Wine rated (2024 guide) 93/100
About the wine:
It reveals pronounced notes of blackcurrant and pencil lead, with hints of spice and sandalwood. Medium-bodied, it offers a smooth texture on the palate and a juicy, pleasant finish. Made from biodynamically grown grapes certified by Demeter. Delicious and refined. Enjoy now or celller.
Le Figaro vins
Wine rated (2022 guide) 93.5/100
About the wine:
Immediately enticing on the nose, with notes of mocha, nuts, and fruit coulis. Supple and full-bodied on the palate, with a foundation of ripe black fruit, it features robust, deliciously grainy tannins that give the wine a substantial presence, making it well-suited for long-term aging. 2028–2052
Yves Beck
Wine rated (2023 guide) 93/100
About the wine:
This Haut-Bages Liberal reveals itself with restraint, yet it does not fail to highlight its terroir and origin. Thus, the nuances of graphite and cedar are evident. It takes a little time to finally detect notes of black tea, tobacco leaves, and black berries. Indeed, tasting wine is not a race against the clock! The Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the bouquet, while the Merlot, even though it makes up only 10% of the blend, adds a touch of charm on the palate. Rather slender in style, the wine is harmonious, powerful, and already very tempting. It will still need a little patience. 2025–2038
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