Chateau Haut Bages Liberal Pauillac, Bordeaux, Complete Guide

Haut Bages LIberal

Learn everything about Chateau Haut Bages Liberal, Pauillac, Fifth Growth with wine tasting notes and wine with food pairing tips. Learn all the best vintages, a history of the property, information on the vineyards and winemaking. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux: Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Chateau Haut Bages Liberal History, Overview

One of the few Bordeaux chateaux with three words in their name. Chateau Haut Bages Liberal came across its unusual moniker for very simple reasons. The property is situated on the hills of Bages, a tiny area between Pauillac and St. Julien. Liberal is the name of the family that owned the chateau during the 18th century.

From there you get Haut Bages Liberal, one of the few chateaus in the Medoc, with a 3-word name. The Liberal family was well-known in Bordeaux, as not only were they chateau owners in the Left Bank, but they were also well-established Bordeaux negociants.

In 1960, the Cruse family, another family dynasty that still owns numerous Bordeaux chateaux owned managed the estate. The Cruse family deserves credit for increasing the size of the estate and for replanting much of the vineyard. At the time, the Cruse family also owned Chateau Pontet Canet, which is important, because that is where Haut Bages Liberal was also made for several years.

In 1983, they sold Chateau Haut Bages Liberal to the Taillan group. The Taillan group owns several chateaux in Bordeaux including: Chateau Gruaud Larose in Saint Julien, Chateau Ferrier in Margaux, Chateau Chasse Spleen, Chateau Camensac, Chateau Gressier Grand Poujeaux and Chateau Citran in the Haut Medoc and Chateau Broustet in Sauternes.

In 2000, the new owners, the Taillan group, renovated and modernized their wine-making facilities in Pauillac. Today Chateau Haut Bages Liberal is run by Claire Villars-Lurton. Claire Villars-Lurton is also the manager in charge of Chateau Ferriere and Chateau La Gurgue in Margaux and Chateau Domeye in St. Estephe.

As a member of a true wine family, Claire Villars-Lurton is the wife of Gonzague Lurton, the owner of Chateau Durfort Vivens located in the Margaux appellation. Claire Villars-Lurton and Gonzague Lurton are now making wine from Bordeaux varietals in Sonoma California at their Trinite Estates vineyard.

Chateau Haut Bages Liberal Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The 30-hectare vineyard of Chateau Haut Bages Liberal is planted to 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. This shows an increase in Cabernet Sauvignon over the years. The Petit Verdot vines have been removed.

The vineyard is widely dispersed in the appellation, as they have parcels located in several different sites in Pauillac, with their best terroir being situated on one of the better elevations in the entire Pauillac appellation. They have vines not far from Chateau Latour in St. Lambert, as well as parcels on the plateau of Bages.

They also have vines planted close to Pichon Baron. The terroir consists of gravel on chalk, clay, and limestone soils. Their best vines are placed close to Chateau Latour. The vines are placed in a myriad of terroirs, with varying exposures, types, and quality of terroir, making it harder to produce a top-quality wine in some vintages. The actual chateau and winery are located next to Chateau Pichon Lalande.

The average age of the vines is close to 35 years of age. The vineyard is planted to a vine density of 10,000 vines per hectare. Currently, the vineyards are farmed using self-sustaining techniques.

Chateau Haut Bages Liberal was certified as organic in 2019. The vineyards are also certified as biodynamic in 2019.

The wine of Chateau Haut Bages Liberal is vinified in 32 temperature-controlled that are divided as follows, 16 stainless steel tanks and 16 cement vats. The fermentation vats range in size from as small as 47 hectoliters, all the way up to 170 hectoliters.

Malolactic fermentation takes place in tank and vat. The wine of Chateau Haut Bages Liberal is aged in 40% new, French oak barrels for between 14 to 18 months, depending on the character of the vintage. However, it is important to note that 20% of the wine is aged in amphora, starting with the 2018 vintage.

The Best Vintages of Chateau Haut Bages Liberal are: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2005, 2000, 1986 and 1982.

The production of Haut Bages Liberal averages close to 10,000 cases of Bordeaux wine per year. There is a second wine, or perhaps I should say there are 3-second wines, as their second wine is sold under 3 different names, La Chapelle de Bages, La Fleur de Haut-Bages Liberal, and Le Pauillac de Haut-Bages Liberal.

When to Drink Chateau Haut Bages Liberal, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau Haut Bages Liberal needs some time in the cellar to show its best. Young vintages can be decanted for an average of 2-3 hours, give or take. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.

Chateau Haut Bages Liberal is usually better with at least 6-10 years of bottle age. Of course, that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage character. Chateau Haut Bages Liberal offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 10-20 years of age after the vintage.

Serving Chateau Haut Bages Liberal with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

Chateau Haut Bages Liberal is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.

Chateau Haut Bages Liberal is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised and grilled dishes. Chateau Haut Bages Liberal is also good with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms and pasta.

www.hautbagesliberal.com

Château Haut-Bages Libéral Wine Tasting Notes

24 Vintages 144,856 Views Sort by Vintage-Rating

2022
94
Mint-leaf, flowers, plums, and black currants with peppery spices create the nose. On the palate, the wine is fresh, bright, soft, energetic, spicy, and floral. There is a lot of energy, vibrancy and freshness in this wine. The crisp, chewy, red currant finish is spicy, long, and bright, with a dab of spearmint that comes in at the end of the finish. The wine was produced from a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 13% Merlot. 13.9% ABV, 3.54 pH. Picking took place September 6 - September 26. Drink from 2027-2045. 93-95 Pts.

Mint-leaf, flowers, plums, and black currants with peppery spices create the nose. On the palate, the wine is fresh, bright, soft, energetic, spicy, and floral. There is a lot of energy, vibrancy and freshness in this wine. The crisp, chewy, red currant finish is spicy, long, and bright, with a dab of spearmint that comes in at the end of the finish. The wine was produced from a blend of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 13% Merlot. 13.9% ABV, 3.54 pH. Picking took place September 6 - September 26. Drink from 2027-2045. 93-95 Pts.

5,760 Views   Tasted
2021
91
Flowers and tobacco leaf accompany the bright red fruits on the nose and palate. Medium-bodied, with a softness as well as sweetness in the fresh red currants on the palate, and a touch of refreshing spearmint in the finish. The wine will be easy to enjoy just about on release. The wine was produced from a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. This represents the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend in the history of the estate, 13.2% ABV. Drink from 2024-2039. 90-92

Flowers and tobacco leaf accompany the bright red fruits on the nose and palate. Medium-bodied, with a softness as well as sweetness in the fresh red currants on the palate, and a touch of refreshing spearmint in the finish. The wine will be easy to enjoy just about on release. The wine was produced from a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. This represents the highest percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend in the history of the estate, 13.2% ABV. Drink from 2024-2039. 90-92

2,489 Views   Tasted
2020
94
Flowers, smoke, tobacco leaf, sweet bright red currants, and forest floor are at the center of the nose and palate here. Fresh, bright, and energetic, the wine is fresh and vibrant, with loads of bright, fresh, chewy, crunchy, dark, ripe red fruits, round textures, and leafy herbs on the mid-palate and in the savory, spice-tinted finish. The wine is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot. Drink from 2027-2055.

Flowers, smoke, tobacco leaf, sweet bright red currants, and forest floor are at the center of the nose and palate here. Fresh, bright, and energetic, the wine is fresh and vibrant, with loads of bright, fresh, chewy, crunchy, dark, ripe red fruits, round textures, and leafy herbs on the mid-palate and in the savory, spice-tinted finish. The wine is a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot. Drink from 2027-2055.

5,235 Views   Tasted
2019
94
Dark currants, blackberries, tobacco leaf, cedar, cigar box, and crushed rocks show easily on the nose. On the palate, this modern, classic-styled wine is fresh and vibrant with a core of chewy, crunchy, dark, ripe red fruits, spices, and leafy herbs. There is length, freshness, and tannins with the structure to age and evolve for 3 decades. It will need a few years in the cellar, so give it some time to evolve before pulling a cork. The wine is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot. Make no mistake, this is the best vintage ever produced of Haut Bages Liberal. Drink from 2027-2055.

Dark currants, blackberries, tobacco leaf, cedar, cigar box, and crushed rocks show easily on the nose. On the palate, this modern, classic-styled wine is fresh and vibrant with a core of chewy, crunchy, dark, ripe red fruits, spices, and leafy herbs. There is length, freshness, and tannins with the structure to age and evolve for 3 decades. It will need a few years in the cellar, so give it some time to evolve before pulling a cork. The wine is a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot. Make no mistake, this is the best vintage ever produced of Haut Bages Liberal. Drink from 2027-2055.

4,852 Views   Tasted
2018
93
Rich, lush, creamy, and fresh, the wine offers its multiple layers of red fruit, cedar, flowers, and tobacco easily. Medium/full-bodied, bright, layers of sweet, juicy red berries and currants open the wine on the mid-palate and in the finish. There is a brightness to the fruit in the mouth, chewy tannins, and a crispness to the red berries that carries through from start to finish. Drink from 2027-2050.

Rich, lush, creamy, and fresh, the wine offers its multiple layers of red fruit, cedar, flowers, and tobacco easily. Medium/full-bodied, bright, layers of sweet, juicy red berries and currants open the wine on the mid-palate and in the finish. There is a brightness to the fruit in the mouth, chewy tannins, and a crispness to the red berries that carries through from start to finish. Drink from 2027-2050.

4,943 Views   Tasted
Medium/full-bodied, bright, lifted layers of sweet, juicy red currants pop up on the nose along with tobacco, cedar, cigar box and a light hint of oak. There is a brightness to the fruit in the mouth, chewy tannins and a crispness to the red berries that carries through from start to finish.

Medium/full-bodied, bright, lifted layers of sweet, juicy red currants pop up on the nose along with tobacco, cedar, cigar box and a light hint of oak. There is a brightness to the fruit in the mouth, chewy tannins and a crispness to the red berries that carries through from start to finish.

4,309 Views   Tasted
2018
87
Pretty core of red fruits in a forward, easy to like open, accessible style that could be enjoyed for lunch is a simple cafe.

Pretty core of red fruits in a forward, easy to like open, accessible style that could be enjoyed for lunch is a simple cafe.

3,039 Views   Tasted
2017
89
Medium-bodied, forward, crisp, bright and fresh, with an herbal, peppery, cedary edge to its red fruits, give this some time in the cellar to develop.

Medium-bodied, forward, crisp, bright and fresh, with an herbal, peppery, cedary edge to its red fruits, give this some time in the cellar to develop.

4,261 Views   Tasted
2016
94
This has really picked up steam over the past few years. Now, you find a classic Pauillac, medium-bodied, fresh, crisp, and floral, with hints of tobacco, cherries, currants, and spice. The palate is loaded with sweet, red currants, spice, herbs and cassis. Drink 2024-2045.

This has really picked up steam over the past few years. Now, you find a classic Pauillac, medium-bodied, fresh, crisp, and floral, with hints of tobacco, cherries, currants, and spice. The palate is loaded with sweet, red currants, spice, herbs and cassis. Drink 2024-2045.

2,636 Views   Tasted
Lead pencil, cigar box, cedar and cassis give this a correct Pauillac profile. Medium bodied with polish to the tannins and round fruits in the finish, I really like the wine this year. The wine was produced from a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot.

Lead pencil, cigar box, cedar and cassis give this a correct Pauillac profile. Medium bodied with polish to the tannins and round fruits in the finish, I really like the wine this year. The wine was produced from a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot.

7,121 Views   Tasted
2015
87
Medium/full-bodied with a crisp, overly bright, red berry character, the wine mixes, cranberry and cassis, with leaf, olive, herbs, earth and tobacco. This is on the crisp and crunchy side of the red fruit range.

Medium/full-bodied with a crisp, overly bright, red berry character, the wine mixes, cranberry and cassis, with leaf, olive, herbs, earth and tobacco. This is on the crisp and crunchy side of the red fruit range.

3,412 Views   Tasted
- Medium/full-bodied with a crunchy, red berry, earth and tobacco profile, this wine will be appreciated by fans of a more classic Pauillac production. 88 - 90 Pts

- Medium/full-bodied with a crunchy, red berry, earth and tobacco profile, this wine will be appreciated by fans of a more classic Pauillac production. 88 - 90 Pts

3,140 Views   Tasted
2014
90
Bright, fresh, classically styled Pauillac, with a crisp, blackberry, dark red fruit character, with ample tobacco and cedar scents. Medium bodied, and slightly dusty in the red berry finish.

Bright, fresh, classically styled Pauillac, with a crisp, blackberry, dark red fruit character, with ample tobacco and cedar scents. Medium bodied, and slightly dusty in the red berry finish.

5,407 Views   Tasted
Licorice, black cherry, spice and oak, this wine is tannic, yet refined with a bright, piquant cassis finish. 88-90

Licorice, black cherry, spice and oak, this wine is tannic, yet refined with a bright, piquant cassis finish. 88-90

3,184 Views   Tasted
2013
84
With a dusty, leafy nose, the wine is lean, herbal and focused on cranberry and cassis. 83-85 Pts

With a dusty, leafy nose, the wine is lean, herbal and focused on cranberry and cassis. 83-85 Pts

3,043 Views   Tasted
2012
86
From a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, the medium bodied, red fruit dominated wine ends with a crisp, bright, dusty finish.

From a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot, the medium bodied, red fruit dominated wine ends with a crisp, bright, dusty finish.

3,490 Views   Tasted
2011
88
Earth, cedar, black pepper and cassis, the wine is medium bodied, ending with bright kirsch flavors. 88- 90 Pts

Earth, cedar, black pepper and cassis, the wine is medium bodied, ending with bright kirsch flavors. 88- 90 Pts

4,929 Views   Tasted
2010
91
Value and classified growths do not always go together, but they are paired in this wine. With ample cassis, blackberry, earth and hints of tobacco, the wine has some depth, body, freshness and fine tannins. From a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Merlot, give it a few hours of air, or 5-7 years before it opens and starts to show.

Value and classified growths do not always go together, but they are paired in this wine. With ample cassis, blackberry, earth and hints of tobacco, the wine has some depth, body, freshness and fine tannins. From a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Merlot, give it a few hours of air, or 5-7 years before it opens and starts to show.

4,613 Views   Tasted
2009
90
From a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Merlot, notes of tobacco, cassis, earth and leafy scents emerge. Medium bodied, with a hint of old school rusticity in the mid palate, the wine ends with a cassis filled finish.

From a blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Merlot, notes of tobacco, cassis, earth and leafy scents emerge. Medium bodied, with a hint of old school rusticity in the mid palate, the wine ends with a cassis filled finish.

9,126 Views   Tasted
2008
87
Light, bright and tight, the fruit is crisp, crunchy and on the way to acidic. With a strong lean to the sharp, red berry, cranberry side, I liked the nose better with its cedar and tobacco edge. Time in the cellar will help, but don't expect miracles. The wine was made from a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot.

Light, bright and tight, the fruit is crisp, crunchy and on the way to acidic. With a strong lean to the sharp, red berry, cranberry side, I liked the nose better with its cedar and tobacco edge. Time in the cellar will help, but don't expect miracles. The wine was made from a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot.

4,426 Views   Tasted
2007
83
Light, bright, crisp red berries, cedar, peppery herbs and tobacco leaf notes with a crunchy, tart, cranberry and strawberry finish. Drink up as there is not much there.

Light, bright, crisp red berries, cedar, peppery herbs and tobacco leaf notes with a crunchy, tart, cranberry and strawberry finish. Drink up as there is not much there.

2,526 Views   Tasted
2006
89
Value priced Pauillac that is developing nicely. The nose, with its cigar box, earth, tobacco, herb and cassis profile is a charmer. Medium bodied, firm, fresh and already starting to be fun to drink, give this another 4-6 years and it should be even better.

Value priced Pauillac that is developing nicely. The nose, with its cigar box, earth, tobacco, herb and cassis profile is a charmer. Medium bodied, firm, fresh and already starting to be fun to drink, give this another 4-6 years and it should be even better.

4,379 Views   Tasted
Medium bodied, tannic, slightly firm, but starting to open, it's not hard to find the cassis, earth and tobacco nose. There is a dusty quality to the texture in the herb, earth and black cherry finish.

Medium bodied, tannic, slightly firm, but starting to open, it's not hard to find the cassis, earth and tobacco nose. There is a dusty quality to the texture in the herb, earth and black cherry finish.

4,410 Views   Tasted
2005
90
The nose pops with cassis, tobacco and cedar chest notes. With an hour of air, the tannins soften and the cassis and leafy, green olive laden finish comes though nicely. The wine is correct, but finishes short. This classically, firm styled wine is still quite young and should be better with another 5 years in the bottle.

The nose pops with cassis, tobacco and cedar chest notes. With an hour of air, the tannins soften and the cassis and leafy, green olive laden finish comes though nicely. The wine is correct, but finishes short. This classically, firm styled wine is still quite young and should be better with another 5 years in the bottle.

5,350 Views   Tasted
Bright cassis, cedar wood, tobacco and cranberry opens to a medium/full bodied tannic wine that is bordering on the lean side. The tannins were harder than I last recalled. This is not fun to drink at the moment. It might improve with another 5-10 more years of bottle age.

Bright cassis, cedar wood, tobacco and cranberry opens to a medium/full bodied tannic wine that is bordering on the lean side. The tannins were harder than I last recalled. This is not fun to drink at the moment. It might improve with another 5-10 more years of bottle age.

8,342 Views   Tasted
Cedar, spice, cassis, licorice. black raspberry and tobacco aromas open the wine. With a medium/full body, this correctly made Pauillac needs another year or two to come around.

Cedar, spice, cassis, licorice. black raspberry and tobacco aromas open the wine. With a medium/full body, this correctly made Pauillac needs another year or two to come around.

11,351 Views   Tasted
2004
90
Quite a surprise. This well-priced charmer serves up ripe cassis and black cherries with a medium bodied, refined, elegant, Pauillac character.

Quite a surprise. This well-priced charmer serves up ripe cassis and black cherries with a medium bodied, refined, elegant, Pauillac character.

3,282 Views   Tasted
2003
90
Fully developed, medium-bodied, soft, round and loaded with ripe, dark, sweet red fruits, tobacco leaf, ash and cigar box notes. A touch of dryness in the finish accompanies the red fruits, herbs and earth.

Fully developed, medium-bodied, soft, round and loaded with ripe, dark, sweet red fruits, tobacco leaf, ash and cigar box notes. A touch of dryness in the finish accompanies the red fruits, herbs and earth.

3,002 Views   Tasted
2001
89
Fully developed, the wine is medium-bodied, with a bright, crisp, cherry and cranberry character on the nose and palate. This is accompanied by herbs, cedar, leaf and green pepper accents. This old-school classic, stoic Pauillac will probably please some tasters over others.

Fully developed, the wine is medium-bodied, with a bright, crisp, cherry and cranberry character on the nose and palate. This is accompanied by herbs, cedar, leaf and green pepper accents. This old-school classic, stoic Pauillac will probably please some tasters over others.

2,132 Views   Tasted
2000
90
Just starting to drink well, this is a solid example of a classic Left Bank Bordeaux. Here you find crisp, bright, red fruits, some strictness in the tannins and all the cedar, forest leaf, cigar box, peppery herbs and both, sweet with tart, red fruits. This should offer pleasure for another 15-20 years.

Just starting to drink well, this is a solid example of a classic Left Bank Bordeaux. Here you find crisp, bright, red fruits, some strictness in the tannins and all the cedar, forest leaf, cigar box, peppery herbs and both, sweet with tart, red fruits. This should offer pleasure for another 15-20 years.

4,322 Views   Tasted
1996
90
Perhaps I do not taste enough of this classic Pauillac. I really liked the ripe cassis, smoke, tobacco and ripe black cherry, earthy nose. Rich, round and tasty, this value priced Pauillac wine is showing nicely.

Perhaps I do not taste enough of this classic Pauillac. I really liked the ripe cassis, smoke, tobacco and ripe black cherry, earthy nose. Rich, round and tasty, this value priced Pauillac wine is showing nicely.

6,345 Views   Tasted