Haut-Bages Libéral AOC Pauillac Grand Cru Classé

Located in Pauillac, Chateaux Haut-Bages was awarded Grand Cru Classé status in the original 1855 Classification and has been certified organic since 2019. Made from roughly 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot aged for 12 months in a mixture of new and second fill French oak and amphora. Succulent dark cherry, plum, mocha, liquorice, spice and new leather all meld together in this delicate Grand Cru Classé red. Nice length and a supple finish, drink now until 2030 and beyond.

• Georgina Hindle, Decanter, 96/100 points (2020 vintage)
• James Suckling, 97/100 points (2020 vintage)
• Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 96/100 points (2020 vintage)

The Libéral family settled on this estate in the 1700s, and by the 1800s, the estate's reputation was quite good, enough so that the estate was classified Cinquième Cru Classé in Bordeaux's Classification of 1855. Today the estate has three vineyards; the largest is adjacent to Château Latour, with a smaller plot adjacent to Château Pichon-Lalande close to the Gironde and a third further inland. The presence of limestone in the vineyard brings a touch of freshness and minerality to the style of the wines, making them unique within the Pauillac appellation.