2021 Chateau Haut Bages Liberal Pauillac

Château Haut-Bages Libéral is in an exclusive category in the wine world. It’s one of just 18 estates honored as a Fifth Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux classification. But the Libéral family’s wine history predates that honor. The family began as négociants in the 1700s, passing the business from father to son. When they purchased the property that is now Château Haut-Bages Libéral, the family’s reputation for excellence was well-known, eventually earning the estate its respected classification.

Today, Château Haut-Bages Libéral is owned by Claire Villars-Lurton whose family purchased it in the early 1980s. Claire and her husband Gonzague Lurton also own Château Domeyne in Saint-Estèphe and Northern California’s Trinité Estate. Gonzague also owns Château Durfort-Vivens, a Second Classified Growth in Margaux.

In 2019, Claire achieved organic and biodynamic certification for all 74 acres of the estate’s vineyards, including the ones next to next to the famed First Growth Château Latour and Second Groth Château Pichon Lalande. 

The winemaking is overseen by no other than legend Eric Boissenot. Today, Eric consults at forty of the 1855 Classified estates including Lafite, Margaux, Latour, Mouton Rothschild, Leoville Las Cases, and Ducru Beaucaillou.

Between the vineyards’ deep gravel over limestone and clay soils, the meticulous care of the terroir, and a vintage that Vinous Media gave an enthusiastic 92-94 points, and said: " The 2021 Bordeaux have turned out to be such a surprise. The best wines offer a striking combination of old-school classicism with modern-day precision."

Aging: French oak barrels for 16 months. 40% of new oak; a portion in amphorae.

Tasting Notes: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot. A beautiful classic Bordeaux with dark fruits and violets on the nose. Rich and round blueberries and blackberries with tannins meant for aging.