Chateau Haut-Bages-Libéral

Pauillac

 

Classification:

Fifth-growth in 1855

 

Location of vineyards:

Pauillac, next to those of Chateau Latour

 

Vineyards (red):

Surface: 69 acres

Average age of vines: 30 years

Blend: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, and 3 % Petit Verdot

Density of plantation: 10,000 vines per hectare

Average yields (over the last 5 years): 55 hectoliters per hectare

Total average annual production: 170,000 bottles

 

Grand Vin (red):

Brand name: Chateau Haut-Bages-Libéral

Appellation: Pauillac

Upbringing: Fermentations last 3-4 weeks in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, and wines are then transferred to oak casks (40% of which are new) for 16 months. They are fined but not filtered.

 

Evaluation of present classification: Should be maintained

Plateau of maturity: 5-15 years following the vintage

 

"The vineyard, consisting of 3 parcels, is superbly situated. The major portion (just over 50%) is adjacent to the main Latour vineyard. another parcel is next to Pichon Lalande, and a third is farther inland near Grand-Puy-Lacoste."

 

"In 1975, an excellent wine was produced, and this success has been followed by several recent vintages that have also exhibited high quality, particularly 1995, 1990, 1986, and 1985."

 

"Haut-Bages-Libéral produces a strong, ripe, rich, very black curranty wine, no doubt as a result of the high percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon."

 
Robert M. Parker Jr.

 

Chateau Haut-Bages-Libéral 1995

(5º Growth)

Wine Spectator: “A bit coarse now, but massive.  Sweet berry aromas with hints of citrus and smoke.  Full-bodied, with big, velvety tannins and a long, long aftertaste.  Best after 2001.  14,000 cases made.”

 

Rated 90

Wine Spectator