Haut Bages Libéral (BIO-ORGANIC) - Pauillac 2022

Alexandre Ma

95

byAlexandre Mathe3/10/2025

The 2022 vintage is undoubtedly the pinnacle of Château Haut-Bages Libéral in recent years. Its high concentration exudes a more pronounced Pauillac essence, with the privileged clay-limestone soil endowing the grapes with precious moisture, ensuring their composure amidst drought conditions. The fruit is refreshingly aromatic, devoid of overripe or dried fruit traces. The unmistakable scents of licorice and blackcurrant from Cabernet Sauvignon shine through, complemented by crisp acidity, showcasing its pure Médoc lineage. Gentle extraction bestows refined, supple tannins, while the finish unveils delicate hints of violet and a whisper of creaminess. Highly recommended. (pH: 3.54, Alcohol: 13.9%, Yield: 45 hl/ha)

Wine Advocate

93

byWilliam Kelleythe3/7/2025

Aromas of sweet dark berries, bay leaf, violets and cigar ash introduce the 2022 Haut-Bages-Libéral, a medium to full-bodied, lively and layered wine that's fresh and vibrant, with powdery tannins that assert themselves on the somewhat lactic finish. This is a solid effort from this limestone terroir, though it can't quite match the precision of the estate's 2019-2020 duo.

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

93

byJane Ansonthe3/7/2025

Displaying aromatic complexity, chalky tannins, touches of raspberry leaf that adds freshness without being stalky, has kept the backbone and structure of Pauillac, with concentrated tannins. Good quality.

The Wine Cellar Insider

96

byJeff Levethe3/4/2025

Haut-Bages Libéral, Château

Jeb DUNNUCK

96

byJeb Dunnuckthe2/28/2025

I loved the 2022 Château Haut-Bages Libéral, a spicy, complex, nuanced Pauillac that has both red and black currants, textbook notes of freshly sharpened pencils, leather, and flowers, medium to full body, a ripe, pure, layered mouthfeel, and remarkable length on the finish. It's beautifully done and well worth seeking out. As with many top Pauillac, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it close down in 3-5 years, only to reemerge 10-12 years after the vintage, with a solid two decades of longevity thereafter.

Yvesbeck.wine

93

byYves Beckthe2/25/2025

Belle expression du bouquet avec d'invitantes notes de framboises et de pralinés complétées par une touche de pralinés. Salivant en attaque, le vin est droit, linéaire et porté par des tannins puissants en phase avec la fraîcheur de la structure. Un vin de caractère que l'on pourra déjà apprécier dans sa jeunesse grâce à son côté désaltérant. 2027-2037 93/100

Vinous

95

byNeal Martinthe2/12/2025

The 2022 Haut-Bages Libéral matured in 40% new oak for 16 months. This is slightly muted for the first couple of minutes, then it opens with very attractive blackberry and bilberry scents. It perhaps has more mineralité than the Ferrière, with just a touch of wild mint in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-boned tannins and cedar, cracked black pepper and saline notes toward the controlled, focused finish. What a wonderful HBL.

Vinous

97

byAntonio Gallonithe1/28/2025

The 2022 Haut-Bages Libéral is huge and explosive right out of the gate. A rush of dark red cherry/plum fruit, rose petal, blood orange, incense, licorice and mocha saturates the palate. Saline notes extend the mid-palate and finish effortlessly. This is one of the most exuberant, ample wines I have tasted from Claire Villars-Lurton. I would give the 2022 a number of years in bottle to shed some baby fat. Today, it tastes almost like a barrel sample! The purity and primary intensity of the fruit is remarkable. The Haut-Bages Libéral was raised in a combination of 40% new oak, 40% once-used barrels and 20% a mix of concrete and amphora. This is one of the under-the-radar gems of 2022.

Decanter.com

95

byGeorgina Hindlethe5/25/2023

Round and smooth, so pure, like silk, just so beautifully textured straight away with clear bite, bright fresh upfront fruit - tangy strawberries, raspberries and black cherries with powdery, chalky, and tense tannins giving both the frame but also a charming appeal. It’s intense but controlled and finessed. Maybe lacking a touch of fruity fleshiness right now but the Cabernet is at the fore, giving the backbone and the seriousness. So well executed -a shining star of an estate with such beautiful pure wines. The pH and alcohol is low with the acidity coming from the chalk and limestone terroir, all well integrated giving an elegant, very drinkable aspect while still having underlying power and direction. Crystalline with exceptional energy. 3.54pH. Ageing: 16 months, 40% in new oak barrels, 40% in barrels of one wine, 20% in amphorae.

Alexandre Ma

94-95

byAlexandre Mathe5/17/2023

The 2022 vintage is undoubtedly the pinnacle of Château Haut-Bages Libéral in recent years. Its high concentration exudes a more pronounced Pauillac essence, with the privileged clay-limestone soil endowing the grapes with precious moisture, ensuring their composure amidst drought conditions. The fruit is refreshingly aromatic, devoid of overripe or dried fruit traces. The unmistakable scents of licorice and blackcurrant from Cabernet Sauvignon shine through, complemented by crisp acidity, showcasing its pure Médoc lineage. Gentle extraction bestows refined, supple tannins, while the finish unveils delicate hints of violet and a whisper of creaminess. Highly recommended. (pH: 3.54, Alcohol: 13.9%, Yield: 45 hl/ha)

Vinous

94-96

byNeal Martinthe5/17/2023

The 2022 Haut-Bages-Libéral was picked from 6 to 26 September and is being raised in 40% new oak, plus 20% in concrete tanks and amphorae. Yields were 45hL/ha, higher than many other estates, which Clare Villars-Lurton cites as a result of their long-term application of biodynamic viticulture and use of cover crops. It has an entrancing bouquet with blackberry, briary, crushed stone and light estuarine scents, understated initially but rapidly gaining intensity. The palate is medium-bodied, fresh and saline with sculpted tannins, stunning balance and a mineral finish. This is an outstanding, vivacious 2022 from proprietor Claire Villars-Lurton.

matthewjukes.com

18

byMatthew Jukesthe5/15/2023

Yvesbeck.wine

92-94

byYves Beckthe5/10/2023

Beaucoup de fraîcheur dans le bouquet de Haut Bages Libéral qui affiche des nuances d'eucalyptus, de cerises, de framboises et de menthe. En bouche le vin révèle une attaque friande et rafraîchissante. Le vin est doté de tannins fins et puissants en phase avec la tension de la structure acide. Une tension conférée par les sols calcaires de la croupe de Haut Bages Libéral. Un vin de caractère qui continue son cheminement vers l'avant.

Bettane & Desseauve

92

by Bettane & Desseauvethe5/10/2023

Coloré et généreux, agréablement classique. Le jour de notre dégustation, il se présentait avec un milieu de bouche moins en place que d’autres dans son appellation et dans son secteur. Pour le moment.

Jeb DUNNUCK

93-95

byJeb Dunnuckthe5/10/2023

The 2022 Château Haut-Bages Libéral checks in as 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot that will spend 16 months in 40% new French oak. It's a ripe, medium to full-bodied, balanced Pauillac with a terrific sense of elegance as well as minerality. Classic Pauillac notes of ripe black fruits, leafy tobacco, lead pencil, and spring flowers emerge from the glass, and it has ripe tannins, good acidity, and solid overall balance.

Vinous

93-96

byAntonio Gallonithe5/9/2023

The 2022 Haut-Bages Libéral is shaping up to be a jewel. Bright and aromatic, with notable structure, the 2022 is beautifully put together. Red/purplish fruit, rose petal, mint and blood orange all race across the palate. A wine of dynamic energy and drive, Haut-Bages Libéral is super-impressive in this tasting. I can’t wait to taste this from bottle. The blend is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon and 13% Merlot. Drinking window : 2030-2052

The Wine Cellar Insider

93-95

byJeff Levethe5/5/2023

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.

Wine Advocate

93-95

byWilliam Kelleythe5/2/2023

The 2022 Haut-Bages-Libéral is lovely, bursting with aromas of blackberries and cherries mingled with notions of orange zest, rose petals and violets. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and gourmand, with lively acids and a bright, chalky finish, its low pH of 3.54 reflects a decade of organic farming and the limestone subsoils that characterize this sector of Pauillac.

Jamessuckling.com

96-97

byJames Sucklingthe4/19/2023

Lots of redcurrants and blackcurrants with some cassis as well as iron, tile, stone and hints of dried herbs. Full-bodied with lots of pretty structure and very juicy tannins. Lively and energetic. Exciting to taste. pH 3.54 and with 13.9% alcohol. From biodynamically grown grapes. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification.

Jancis Robinson

16,5

byJancis Robinsonthe4/19/2023

87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot. 45 hl/ha (a record for Pauillac this year). Cask sample.
Expressive dark-fruit aroma with notes of cassis and dark cherry. Lovely texture, the tannins silky and smooth. Fresh as well. On the fine side of Pauillac but there’s pleasure to be had here. (JL)