Château Haut-Bages Libéral 2022

A textbook Pauillac perfume: blackcurrant, leather, cherry, herbs, pepper; dense and compact on the palate, linear, vertical, balanced, superbly structured, chalky tannins, great length, very saline finish. A wine full of breed and freshness.

Aromas of sweet dark berries, bay leaf, violets and cigar ash introduce the 2022 Haut-Bages-Libéral, a medium to full-bodied, lively and layered wine that's fresh and vibrant, with powdery tannins that assert themselves on the somewhat lactic finish. This is a solid effort from this limestone terroir, though it can't quite match the precision of the estate's 2019-2020 duo.

Delicate aromatics with cool, blue fruit and a stony edge. Lifted and lightweight, this shows such finesse from the first sip. Nothing heavy or overdone; it’s so fruity—pristine and crystalline, with all the focus and energy on the purity of the fruit while the frame and undercurrent of minerality come second. There’s power, no doubt—hinted at by the tension, length, and a touch of spice on the finish—but it has the right balance in terms of approachability. Not an estate that usually steals the limelight, but this is a joy to drink, carrying signature Pauillac markings alongside owner and winemaker Claire’s ability to bring such vibrancy and dynamism to her wines—something also attributed to biodynamic winemaking.

The nose, with its flowers, tobacco, blackberries, leaves, herbs, and cedar, immediately grabs your attention. So does the palate, with its elegantly styled freshness, mint-accented currants, marine influences, and chocolate nuances that add complexity to the wine’s layers of black and red fruits. There is plenty of energy, vibrancy, and freshness here, allowing the wine to linger on your palate. The wine has truly come alive since its barrel aging. The blend is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot. Drink from 2028–2055.

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim. Aromas of black cherries, nuances of cassis and tobacco, a touch of fig, delicate tangerine zest. On the palate taut, a red-berry touch, hints of liquorice, fresh acidity, mineral-salty finish. Lively, animating style, full of fruit and very well balanced. Some ageing potential.

I loved the 2022 Château Haut-Bages Libéral, a spicy, complex, nuanced Pauillac that has both red and black currants, textbook notes of freshly sharpened pencils, leather, and flowers, medium to full body, a ripe, pure, layered mouthfeel, and remarkable length on the finish. It's beautifully done and well worth seeking out. As with many top Pauillac, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it close down in 3-5 years, only to reemerge 10-12 years after the vintage, with a solid two decades of longevity thereafter.

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

A meaty, animal, mysterious nose of great depth, where aromas of dark fruits intertwine with inky notes, followed by softer, floral wafts that soften the whole. On the palate, intense concentration, a core of succulence that gradually unfolds, and nuances of red licorice. The tannins on the finish are delicately satiny.

Beautiful bouquet expression with inviting notes of raspberries and praline, complemented by a touch of praline. Mouthwatering on the attack, the wine is straight, linear, and driven by powerful tannins in tune with the freshness of its structure. A characterful wine that can already be enjoyed in its youth thanks to its thirst-quenching side.

Lovely, fine, delicate, airy nose with tension, power, and accuracy. It reveals notes of elegant blackcurrant, bright red berries, and touches of vibrant redcurrant, combined with subtle hints of cranberry, discreet notes of vanilla, and sweet tobacco. The palate is beautifully guided, supple, airy, and gourmand, offering tension, precision, a tangy framework, lovely freshness, harmony, a melodious character, and indulgence. A lovely texture. On the palate, the wine expresses notes of juicy/fleshy blackcurrant, redcurrant, and, more lightly, cranberry, combined with touches of fleshy cherry, as well as discreet hints of violet, infusion, a floral note, and a toasted/chocolatey touch. Good length. A subtle hint of mocha on the finish.

Black color. Intense, delicate, fruity and pure nose. Extremely precise on the attack, a fine roundness guides the tasting along a straight profile with a beautiful mouthfeel. Noble in flavor and not Pauillac-like in its profile, this wine melts on the palate, juicy and deep on the finish. Impeccable structure. It’s very good. Blend: 87% cabernet sauvignon, 13% merlot. Alcohol: 13.9% – pH: 3.54. Yield: 45 hl/ha.

BIODYNAMICS The nose offers a bouquet of redcurrants, blackberries and blackcurrant. The power of this wine is restrained, intelligent. From the attack, the balance between sweetness and acidity shows real precision. Raspberry in all its forms (jelly, fresh, etc.) remains, finishing by charming the whole.

Classic Pauillac structure, dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a powerful wine. It has an impressive ripeness, a black chocolate aroma and a fine future. Drink from 2028. Organic and bio-dynamic.