Castle Haut-Bages Libéral

Le Point

15,5 / 20

byJacques Dupontthe5/21/2015

Fruits noirs, réglisse, épices, un peu confit, bouche douce, pas trop tannique, droite, serrée en finale. Bonne longueur. Bien pauillac.

Vinous

89-91 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe5/11/2015

The 2014 Haut-Bages Liberal opens up nicely in the glass, with an intriguing combination of, juicy red-fleshed fruit underpinned by distinctly stony, chalky notes that give the wine much of its energy. Today, the tannins are a bit tightly wound. Still, there is plenty to admire in the wine's overall persistence and sense of proportion.

The Wine Cellar Insider

88-90 / 100

byJeff Levethe5/5/2015

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

Wine Advocate

88-91 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/30/2015

The Château Haut-Bages Libéral 2014 has generous bouquet with plush red cherry and crushed strawberry scents, touches of cassis developing in the glass. The palate is better with gently gripping tannin and an attractive grainy texture. It is nicely balanced with blackberry and graphite notes on the linear finish. Not a bad Pauillac 2014 with its pencil lead aftertaste, though it could do with a bit more flair.

Asian Palate

88-89 / 100

byJeannie Cho Lee MWthe4/20/2015

A well-made red with supple tannins and attractive plum and redcurrant on the palate. Balanced, round, fresh acidity and focused flavors with good finish - a successful Haut-Bages Liberal.

Jancis Robinson

16 / 20

byJancis Robinsonthe4/17/2015

Low-key nose. Rather loose textured and then astringent. Not as focused as most of its peers. Just a little dull.

Drink 2022-2030

Decanter.com

17 / 20

bySteven Spurrierthe4/17/2015

Fine lifted fragrance of Cabernet with very good clarity and persistence, depth to come. Always shows an attractive liveliness of fruit. Drink: 2019-2030 (90)

Jamessuckling.com

92-93 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/10/2015

Lots of good fruit here that give depth and seriousness. Full and juicy. Round tannins.

timatkin.com

89 / 100

byTim Atkin MWthe4/7/2015

René Gabriel

17 / 20

byRené Gabrielthe4/1/2015

Sattes Purpur-Granat, dicht in der Mitte, lila Schimmer aussen. Würziges, florales Cabernetbouquet, leicht erdig, Ledernoten und Malznuancen mit blaubeerigen Konturen im zweiten Ansatz. Im Gaumen mit Muskeln und Sehnen, ich würdemir da etwas mehr Fleisch wünschen. Das wird ein ernster, klassischer H-B-L. Weil ich ihn eher kritisch beschrieb verkostete ich ihn ein zweites Mal bei einer anderen Probe. Und dann noch einmal mit Claire Villars auf dem Weingut selbst. Sie war ganz und gar nicht Happy mit meiner Tannin-Kritik. 17/20 2024 – 2048

Wine Enthusiast

93 / 100

byRoger Vossthe4/1/2015

92–94. Barrel Sample. Typical Cabernet fruit flavors and fresh, juicy acidity are the hallmarks of this wine. It is structured, yes, but the fruit is right out front. The finish shows the wood aging, with lingering spice notes.

— R.V. (4/1/2015)

Wine Spectator

89-92 / 100

byJames Molesworththe3/31/2015

A tight, sleek style, with red and black currant fruit, lined with edgy savory, cassis bush and iron notes. The long finish lets the cassis bush element play out.