At A Glance
- Classification
- Fifth Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Wine Classification
- Appellation
- Pauillac, Bordeaux
- Vineyard area
- 30 hectares under vine
- Main grapes
- Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
- Owner
- Claire Villars-Lurton
- Farming
- Organic and biodynamic certification
The Producer
Claire Villars-Lurton owns Château Haut-Bages-Libéral. Thomas Bontemps is Technical Director, Bruno Ferragu is Cellar Master, and Jean-Luc Mouillac is Vineyard Manager. The estate is a Fifth Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Wine Classification, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot at the centre of its red wines.
Place
The estate sits in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux. Pauillac is one of the Left Bank appellations, and the château is positioned on the hills of Bages, a tiny area between Pauillac and St. Julien.
Wines
The estate's grand vin uses approximately 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. The grapes are hand harvested and fermented in temperature controlled steel tanks. The grand vin is aged for 16 months, with 40% of the ageing carried out in new oak barrels.
In The Glass
The listed vintage shows velvety tannins and an unctuous body. Its fruit profile centres on dark currants, blackberries and cherry, followed by tobacco, cedar and herbs. The 2022 vintage shows fresh, mint accented currants, marine influences and chocolate complexities.
A Bottle To Understand It
Château Haut-Bages Libéral 2021 is the named red wine in the range. It is the estate's grand vin, and its label carries the Haut-Médoc appellation while the château itself is in Pauillac.
Final Word
The château takes its name from the Libéral family, who settled on the estate in the 1700s.