2019 Château Haut-Bages-Libéral

The 2019 Haut-Bages-Libéral has turned out superbly, offering up aromas of wild berries, cassis, licorice, rose petals and sweet soil tones, followed by a medium to full-bodied, velvety and seamless palate, its powdery structuring tannins hidden in an ample core of lively, succulent fruit. From biodynamically farmed vineyards located on clay-limestone and gravel soils to the north of Château Latour (as well as a parcel of gravel sandwiched between Pichon-Baron and Lynch-Bages), this is a terrific effort from an estate that deserves to be much better known.

The 2019 Haut Bages Libéral has a gentle nose that needs a little coaxing from the glass, eventually offering blackberry, briar, cedar and very light pencil shaving aromas. The harmonious palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins and nicely judged acidity. It’s a bit of a deceptive Pauillac, the back end revealing plenty of juicy black fruit and tobacco and a pinch of black pepper on the aftertaste. A beautiful wine from Claire Villars-Lurton.

The 2019 Haut-Bages Libéral is a gorgeous wine from Claire Lurton, even if it has closed down a bit post-bottling. Deep and translucent in feel, the 2019 gradually reveals hints of crushed red berry fruit, mint, spice, rose petal and orange peel. I especially admire the overall energy and aromatic presence. All the 2019 needs is a few years to fully come together.