Château Haut Bages Libéral, 5ème Cru Classé, Pauillac, 2008
Region: Pauillac, Bordeaux, France
Vintage: 2008
Bottle size: 75cl
Grape: 70 % Cabernet Sauvignon and 30 % Merlot
ABV: 13%
The 2008 vintage is characterized by its red and black berries aromas but also minerality and cedar. The nose and the mouth show some freshness. A nive balance with fine tannins. Slightly peppery and hint of clove . The tannins are wrapped and elegant. The wine has a remarkable freshness.
The name of Château Haut‐Bages Liberal has two roots. The LIBERAL family ran the property in the early eighteenth century. Brokers from father to son, they sold the harvest in the Netherlands and Belgium. Their name adjoining to the topographical designation, earned them to be invited worl‐ dwide to the table of political parties of the same name. Over time, these connoisseurs gathered the best soils of Pauillac. Thus, this 5th Classified Growth in 1855 now has half of its vineyards adjacent to Château Latour and the other half behind Château Pichon Baron, on the heights of the locality "Bages", a large plateau in the south of Pauillac.
The property would regain his youth when, in 1960, the Cruse family, owner of Château Pontet Canet, another 5th Classified Growth in Pauil‐ lac, acquired the property. The Cruse would launch an extensive program of replanting the vineyard. However, it was in 1983 at the arrival of the Villars family that Château Haut‐Bages Libéral really recovered its former glory. Today, the property is run by Claire VILLARS LURTON. She under‐ took an overhaul of the tool of winemaking and she directs the vineyard management to a sustainable viticulture.