James Suckling 96Points
#63 TOP 100 WINES OF FRANCE 2022. Complex nose of blackberries, currants, oyster shells, iodine, gravel, cloves, dried leaves and bark. Medium-bodied with firm, very fine tannins. Layered and serious. Extremely long in the finish. Classic Pauillac. 20% aged in concrete. 80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot. From biodynamically grown grapes. Try after 2026.
Wine Enthusiast 95Points
Barrel Sample. This organic estate is in conversion to biodynamic practices. The wine is solid in stature, full of dark tannins and concentrated black fruits. Currently resting in 40% new oak, there is plenty of potential to cellar.
Vinous 94Points
The 2019 Haut-Bages Libéral is a gorgeous wine from Claire Lurton, even if it has closed down a bit post-bottling. Deep and translucent in feel, the 2019 gradually reveals hints of crushed red berry fruit, mint, spice, rose petal and orange peel. I especially admire the overall energy and aromatic presence. All the 2019 needs is a few years to fully come together.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 94Points
The 2019 Haut-Bages-Libéral has turned out superbly, offering up aromas of wild berries, cassis, licorice, rose petals and sweet soil tones, followed by a medium to full-bodied, velvety and seamless palate, its powdery structuring tannins hidden in an ample core of lively, succulent fruit. From biodynamically farmed vineyards located on clay-limestone and gravel soils to the north of Château Latour (as well as a parcel of gravel sandwiched between Pichon-Baron and Lynch-Bages), this is a terrific effort from an estate that deserves to be much better known.
Decanter 93Points
Dark black bramble fruits on the nose with a lovely blackcurrant juiciness - brightness straight away in the mouth, the tannins are supportive, fine and gently gripping and this has a really lovely depth - not too rich or too light, just a very pleasant easy drinkability. You can feel the sculpting of the fruit, firm and muscular, it is well defined and precise but with soft edges and a menthol / liquorice finish common to Pauillac. Power but clarity, cooling flavours and good balance. A great wine. Drinking Window 2023 - 2035.
