2016 Haut Bages Liberal

Open and expressive, with aromas of black currants, dried flowers and fruit. Medium-bodied with balanced, integrated, incisive tannins that add definition. Long and expressive. Already approachable. Drink or hold. 10 Years On retrospective.

This has really picked up steam over the past few years. Now, you find a classic Pauillac, medium-bodied, fresh, crisp, and floral, with hints of tobacco, cherries, currants, and spice. The palate is loaded with sweet, red currants, spice, herbs and cassis. Drink 2024-2045.

The 2016 Haut Bages Libéral is lively and detailed on the nose, the aromas springing up from the glass suggesting black currant, raspberry, cedar and graphite. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grained, quite pliant tannins and good acidity. Smooth, harmonious and surprisingly approachable. Though you could broach this in a couple of years, it has the substance to give a few decades of drinking pleasure. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting.