Château Haut-Bages Libéral Pauillac 2025 - 5ème Grand Cru Classé BIO (Primeurs)

Part of the vineyard borders that of Château Latour and should contribute to the character of this Pauillac. Significant progress is 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.

One of the best Haut-Bages Libéral wines I’ve tasted straight from the barrel. Aromas of blackcurrant, quite dark and true to the style, with a magnificent bouquet. The aromas are superb. Juicy and lively, elegant and supple, resolutely refined, yet with such soft, velvety tannins that provide structure on the palate while beautifully supporting the vibrant fruit. I love this wine. Truly very classic—muscular yet soft, with purity and precision. It’s hard to explain, but it’s excellent—perhaps a bit light, but the flavors and aromas are so complex. And the acidity is excellent. A very approachable wine that will be easy to enjoy. The soil is half gravel, half limestone, with 50% chalk in the Cabernet—which is truly rare for a classified growth. 1% Petit Verdot rounds out the blend. pH of 3.56. A yield of 32 hl/ha. 2033–2050

This wine owes its name to the Libéral family, brokers who owned the estate 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, which 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 from Margaux).

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 parcel 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.

A lively and vibrant nose and palate, with aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, raspberries, and violets. This is a medium-bodied wine with firm, refined tannins and a salty note on the finish. A true burst of energy. Made from grapes grown using biodynamic farming methods and certified by Demeter.

The bouquet of Haut-Bages Libéral is very fresh, with chalky notes, aromas of raspberries, and a hint of eucalyptus. Slightly creamy on the palate at first, the wine gains breadth and vigor as it develops. Its powerful tannins offer precise vigor and complement the wine’s taut structure. A wine that combines character and finesse, it can be enjoyed even in its youth, though it also has excellent aging potential. 2030–2045