Appellations

Haut Bages Liberal 2022

Pauillac, Fifth Growth

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Tasting Notes

Displaying aromatic complexity, chalky tannins, touches of raspberry leaf that adds freshness without being stalky, has kept the backbone and structure of Pauillac, with concentrated tannins. Good quality.

Score: 93 Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2028-2040 Date: 06 March 2025

The 2022 Haut-Bages Libéral matured in 40% new oak for 16 months. This is slightly muted for the first couple of minutes, then it opens with very attractive blackberry and bilberry scents. It perhaps has more mineralité than the Ferrière, with just a touch of wild mint in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins and cedar, cracked black pepper and saline notes toward the controlled, focused finish. What a wonderful HBL.

Score: 95 Neal Martin, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2032-2070 Date: 12 February 2025

The 2022 Haut-Bages Libéral is huge and explosive right out of the gate. A rush of dark red cherry/plum fruit, rose petal, blood orange, incense, licorice and mocha saturates the palate. Saline notes extend the mid-palate and finish effortlessly. This is one of the most exuberant, ample wines I have tasted from Claire Villars-Lurton. I would give the 2022 a number of years in bottle to shed some baby fat. Today, it tastes almost like a barrel sample! The purity and primary intensity of the fruit is remarkable. The Haut-Bages Libéral was raised in a combination of 40% new oak, 40% once-used barrels and 20% a mix of concrete and amphora. This is one of the under-the-radar gems of 2022.

Score: 97 Antonio Galloni, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2030-2052 Date: 28 January 2025

The 2022 Château Haut-Bages Libéral checks in as 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot that will spend 16 months in 40% new French oak. It's a ripe, medium to full-bodied, balanced Pauillac with a terrific sense of elegance as well as minerality. Classic Pauillac notes of ripe black fruits, leafy tobacco, lead pencil, and spring flowers emerge from the glass, and it has ripe tannins, good acidity, and solid overall balance.

Score: 93 - 95 Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com Date: 05 October 2023

Lots of redcurrants and blackcurrants with some cassis as well as iron, tile, stone and hints of dried herbs. Full-bodied with lots of pretty structure and very juicy tannins. Lively and energetic. Exciting to taste. pH 3.54 and with 13.9% alcohol. From biodynamically grown grapes. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification.

Score: 96 - 97 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 13 April 2023