Château Haut Bages Liberal

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Haut Bages Libéral, a fifth growth classified wine, has a magnificent plot near Château Latour and spreads the rest of its vineyard across the Bages lands. It has everything to make a complete Pauillac. M. Bettane classification in 1997. It has consistently produced excellent, underrated wines since the mid-70s. The vineyard was completely replanted in the 1960s, now approaching maturity. R. Parker Wines in Bordeaux. Characteristics of Haut Bages Libéral wine: a dark color, a bouquet of plum, truffle and toasted oak, its richness and concentration justify great expectations after aging. A spicy nose with notes of game and empyreumatic aromas, significant volume on the palate, a silky tannin structure that is full and persistent.

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The history of Château Haut-Bages Libéral

The history of the estate dates back to the 8th century, when the Libéral family became owners. Over the following centuries, the estate changed hands several times. In 1864, it was purchased by Antoine de Solminihac.

In 1960, the estate was purchased by the Cruse family, who were then owners of Château Pontet-Canet, another fifth growth in Pauillac. The Cruses launched an extensive vine replanting program.

In 1982, the estate was purchased by the Villars-Merlaut family. Under their direction, the estate would experience new development. Bernadette Villars-Merlaut, in particular, worked to improve the estate and its infrastructure.

In 2000, Claire Villars-Lurton took over the management of Château Haut-Bages Libéral. From 2007, she adopted biodynamic farming and agroforestry, two practices that allow her to express the quintessence of the local terroir.

In 2017, she supervised major renovation work on the wine cellar and historic buildings. Thanks to these investments, the estate is now able to compete with its prestigious neighbors in Pauillac.

What are the characteristics of the wines from Château Haut-Bages Libéral?

The vineyard of Château Haut-Bages Libéral spans 29 hectares of vines, with 40% located around the property and the rest on the Bages plateau. The grape varieties consist of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot.

The estate's terroir consists of two main soil types:

- Clay-limestone soils, located around the château, adjacent to Château Latour and near the Gironde. These soils are suitable for Merlot, as they bring a lot of minerality and freshness to the wine

- Günzian gravel soils, located on the Bages plateau. These soils are favorable for Cabernet Sauvignon, as they are well-draining and warm. On this type of soil, the plant develops a deep root system, resulting in better resistance to drought and rain

The vinification at Château Haut-Bages Libéral is traditional. The grapes are hand-harvested, with rigorous sorting both in the vineyard and on sorting tables. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel and concrete vats, with volumes adapted to each plot. Aging in French oak barrels lasts 16 months, with 40% new barrels.

The wines of Château Haut-Bages Libéral are full-bodied red wines with an intense, dark color. They present aromas of black fruits, prunes, and red fruits. The tannic structure is very prominent, giving the wines a powerful and structured character.

What are the other wines from Château Haut-Bages Libéral?

Château Haut-Bages Libéral also produces a second wine called "La Chapelle de Haut-Bages Libéral". It is made with the same expertise as the grand vin but from younger vines. Aging lasts 10 to 12 months in oak barrels, 50% of which are new.

The best vintages of Château Haut-Bages Libéral

The best vintages of Château Haut-Bages Libéral are 1986, 2005, 2009 and 2010.

Food and wine pairings

The wines of Château Haut-Bages Libéral are perfect to accompany traditional French dishes such as roast beef with porcini mushrooms, turkey with chestnuts, or rabbit with mustard.

Château website

http://hautbagesliberal.com

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