Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Château Haut-Bages Libéral – Red blend – 2022
Pauillac AOC – Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
Left Bank classicism meets modern precision. A Cabernet-dominant blend at 87% and 13% Merlot that showcases Pauillac’s hallmark structure wrapped in surprising elegance. Certified organic and biodynamic, made by Claire Villars-Lurton, one of the leading women in Bordeaux.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, graphite, cedar, plum skin, and violets with subtle tobacco leaf, pencil shavings, and cocoa. Young, fresh, and layered.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus to full-bodied with refined tannins, balanced acidity, and a polished, seamless texture. Harmonious and structured with a delicious, lingering finish.

Food Pairings
Roast lamb, ribeye, duck breast, mushroom ragù, or aged Comté.

Verdict
A beautifully balanced, terroir-driven Pauillac that delivers finesse without sacrificing power. Delicious now, but built to evolve gracefully.

Did You Know?
Château Haut-Bages Libéral is a Fifth Growth from the 1855 Classification, situated next on to Château Latour. The “Libéral” family were 18th-century négociants who selected some of Pauillac’s best parcels, many still form the estate today. — a month ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2019 vintage. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot A gorgeous elegant Margaux, crafted by Claire Villars- Lurton.... — 4 years ago

Ricardo Bohn Goncalves

9.2

Rings mai21 Irineu — 5 years ago

Andrew Cullimore

8.9

Quite light garnet core with a wide watery garnet rim . Quite reserved and closed at first , with light red currant , herbal wild strawberry , ripe red cherry and earthy , dry spices . On the palate this has quite a rustic , tannic profile for a simples Bourgogne Hautes Cotes de Nuits , with quite fresh acidity but has enough cool strawberry , raspberry , red currant and earthy sous bois to fill out on the palate . Balanced alcohol and reasonable length , with a hint of bitterness . Pretty old school and rustic in style but certainly individual and has personality. In this vintage at least there is just enough mid palate to deal with the extended aging in oak . This does need a little time to open up and requires food and arguably needs a little more time , though I do worry that with more time in bottle it will loose the little fruit that it still has . So drink now and over the next 5 years or so . Overall probably the best red I have had from Chateau de Villars Fontaine . — 7 months ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.2

2015 vintage. Claire Villars and Gonzague Lurton started in Chalk Hill with the 2012 vintage. This 2015 is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (74%), Cabernet Franc (20%) and the remainder Merlot. A bit oaky on first impact, but the fruit is more present the next day so decanting is recommended. Slightly jammy black fruit, with good acidity and length. A very good wine, if not in the same league as Ferrière (and more expensive, at least here in Bordeaux). An estate to watch nevertheless. — 4 years ago

Cristiano Humberto Naves de Freitas Azevedo

9.0

Great fruit and purity — 5 years ago

David Peifer

9.3

Yellow cherry, white flower blossom, cranberry citrus bite in a creamy full-bodied Rosè — 7 months ago

Austin Hohnke

9.0

Drinking well with some air. Showing deep garnet in the glass. Dark, stewed blackberry and mulberry with potting soil, sarsaparilla, incense, licorice, and wood spice. Classic left bank. About 3/4 Cab and 1/4 Merlot. — 8 months ago

Berry Marinussen

8.9

Very good PQ! 2015 — 4 years ago

Ricardo Bohn Goncalves

9.3

Adi jan21 Ce Mar — 5 years ago