Chateau Haut-Bages Liberal 2016, 5eme Cru, Pauillac, Bordeaux

Lying in the Southern part of Pauillac, Haut Bages Liberal has a premium site, with Ch Lynch Bages on it's northern side and Ch Latour and Ch Pichon Baron to the South/South West. Esteemed company indeed!
Classified as a 5th Growth in 1855 (the same as Lynch Bages) and owned by the famous Lurton family, it has been famed organically since 2012 (certified organic in 2019, certified Biodynamic in 2021). Indeed, the Lurton family today cultivate the largest certified biodynamic area of all the Bordeaux vineyards.

The 2016 vintage is Pauillac is exceptional! Robert Parker scored it 97/100 and while there is variation across the region, they are all excellent if not superb!

Haut Bages Liberal 2016 is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot with 16 months of ageing (40% in new oak barrel, 60% in one-year old barrels). As the Lurton's themselves say, the proximity of water (the river!) and limestone in the vineyard brings a touch of freshness and minerality to the style of the wine, making it unique within the Pauillac appellation.

The wine itself offers intense and complex aromas of black fruits (blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum). On the palate, it is full-bodied and well-structured, with ripe tannins providing a solid backbone. Flavours of dark fruits and cassis are prominent, accompanied by nuances of spice, earth, and perhaps a touch of oak. The acidity is balanced and refreshing, and the finish long and elegant.

Overall, a beautiful full fruity wine with a strong backbone. Very approachable but will keep for up to 20 years. As I always say, Good luck with that!

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
90-92 points
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.

Wine Spectator
92 Points
This is a sleek, almost brisk-styled Pauillac, with bright iron and chalk notes flanking a core of red currant, cherry and violet flavors. Persistent and defined, just frankly taut in style, so be prepared.

Vinous
95 points
The 2016 Haut-Bages Libéral has turned out beautifully. Rose petals, lavender and sweet red cherry are some of the notes that grace this fine, translucent Pauillac. Medium in body and precise, with exquisite finesse and nuance, the 2016 is incredibly expressive today. This is a fabulous showing from proprietor Claire Villars Lurton.

James Suckling
94-95 Points
Outer quote mark Very chewy and long already with ripe tannins and plenty of fruit suggesting tobacco and blackcurrant character. Long finish. From biodynamic grapes. Inner quote mark (4/2017)

Wine Enthusiast
93 Points
Outer quote mark Rich tannins, generous black fruits and an opulent character mark out this wine. Under the same winemaking team as Ferrière and La Gurgue in Margaux, this exceptional wine comes from an estate that is now biodynamic. Drink this wine from 2025. (RV) Inner quote mark (5/2019)

Alc Vol 13.5%