“A lively and vibrant nose and palate, with aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, raspberries, and violets. This is a medium-bodied wine with firm, elegant tannins and a salty note on the finish. A true burst of energy. Made from grapes grown using biodynamic methods and certified by Demeter. ” (James Suckling 2026)
Delivery: First half of 2028
Packaging: Plain cardboard box for 1 to 5 bottles purchased and original wooden case for multiples of 6 bottles
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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 the vineyards to biodynamic viticulture. This was necessary because the wine lacked finesse in many vintages.
Decanter
Wine rated (2026 guide) 96/100
About the wine:
One of the best Haut-Bages Libéral wines I’ve tasted 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. 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. Soil is half gravel, half limestone with 50% chalk in the Cabernet—which is truly rare for a classified growth. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend. pH of 3.56. A yield of 32 hl/ha. 2033–2050
Guide Hachette des vins
Rated estate Award-winning wines (This producer's wines are regularly recognized by the guide)
About the estate:
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 joined 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).
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 right next 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 (2026 guide) 93-96/100
James Suckling
Wine rated (2026 guide) 96-97/100
About the wine:
A lively, vibrant nose and palate, with aromas of blackberries, blackcurrants, raspberries, and violets. This is a medium-bodied wine with firm, elegant tannins and a salty note on the finish. A true burst of energy. Made from grapes grown using biodynamic methods and certified by Demeter.
Yves Beck
Wine rated (2026 guide) 92-94/100
About the wine:
The bouquet of Haut-Bages Libéral is full of freshness, with chalky notes, aromas of raspberries, and a hint of eucalyptus. Slightly creamy on the palate, the wine gains in 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 in its youth, though it also possesses excellent aging potential. 2030–2045
FIRST LOOK 2025
36
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Cash Back | 2.00%
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