Château Haut Bages Liberal

Wein Wisser

17 / 20

the5/22/2017

Dichtes Purpur mit violettem Rand. Duftiges, blaubeeriges Bouquet, dahinter rote Pflaumen und Cassisblüten. Im engmaschigen Gaumen mit mürber Textur spürt man zwar die Kraft des Weines, es fehlt aber Fleisch am Knochen,beziehungsweise: Es wurde zu viel vinifiziert!

Le Figaro - L'Avis du Vin

17,5 / 20

byClub Vinthe5/15/2017

Mentholé, petits fruits noirs, ronce, petits fruits rouges. Bouche onctueuse, longue, tannins ronds et souples, finale longue et tonique.

Bettane & Desseauve

95-96 / 100

by Bettane & Desseauvethe5/3/2017

Ici encore une nette progression dans la forme, la texture et l’expression du terroir. L’authenticité de la viticulture a porté ses fruits. Bon rapport qualité prix probable.

Wine Advocate

90-92 / 100

byNeal Martinthe5/2/2017

The 2016 Haut Bages Liberal has a very focused and much more sumptuous bouquet than in previous years, thankfully without dispensing any of its character. It just seems more confident on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, pretty blackberry and boysenberry fruit laced with a touch of oyster shell, sashaying towards a quite elegant finish with admirable depth. You would not describe this as a potentially exciting Pauillac, but I suspect it will be delicious once in bottle.

The Wine Cellar Insider

90-92 / 100

byJeff Levethe4/27/2017

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.

Vinous

89-92 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe4/26/2017

The 2016 Haut-Bages Libéral is gorgeous. Succulent red cherry and plum fruit are pushed forward, with brighter, citrus-driven and chalky notes that add aromatic lift and energy. Silky, supple and inviting, the 2016 is built to deliver considerable pleasure. The 2016 shuts down quickly in the glass, which is probably a very good sign for the wine's potential longevity. I very much like the sense of energy here. Tasted two times.

Decanter.com

91 / 100

byJane Ansonthe4/25/2017

This wine shows notes of charcoal, cassis and blackcurrant bud. It is more restrained than some in the appellation, with a well placed structure and a pleasurable future ahead of it. A Villars-Lurton estate in the process of converting to organic and biodynamic farming methods. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot aged in 40% new oak. Drinking Window 2025 - 2040

matthewjukes.com

17 / 20

byMatthew Jukesthe4/25/2017

(75 Cabernet Sauvignon, 25 Merlot) | 40% new oak | 13.5% alc. Floral and oaky on the nose this is a punchy, fairly tannic wine with a slim chassis which is straining to cope with the dryness at the moment but I would venture that the fruit will manage to make its way through the astringency given time. 17++

Decanter.com

91 / 100

byJane Ansonthe4/24/2017

This wine shows notes of charcoal, cassis and blackcurrant bud. It is more restrained than some in the appellation, with a well placed structure and a pleasurable future ahead of it. A Villars-Lurton estate in the process of converting to organic and biodynamic farming methods. 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot aged in 40% new oak. Drinking Window 2025 - 2040

Jancis Robinson

16,5 / 20

byJancis Robinsonthe4/21/2017

Bright, deep crimson. A little simple in the context of other Pauillac classed growths. And some greenness on the end. Not fully formed.

Wine Enthusiast

93-95 / 100

byRoger Vossthe4/19/2017

Barrel Sample. Known for making firm wines, this year the estate has produced a wine that is also packed with juicy black fruits. Structured and full of fruitiness, it has excellent long-term potential.

Wine Spectator

91-94 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/10/2017

Seriously focused, with a bolt of graphite coursing through, while waves of fig, blackberry and black currant fruit follow along. Offers a long, sleek, mineral-driven finish. A strong showing.—J.M.