Chateau Haut-Bages Liberal 2019

Blend: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot

Decanter: 93
Clear muscles on display, speaking to Pauillac. Real depth of flavour also, with a sense of energy and forward motion through the palate, filling out with cassis fruits alongside liquorice root and a clear saline lick on the end of play. Ageing takes place in a mix of barrel and amphoras as with Ferrière, including new amphoras that are made in Limoges and have a porcelain-lined interior. First year officially certified Ecocert.

Decanter: 93

Clear muscles on display, speaking to Pauillac. Real depth of flavour also, with a sense of energy and forward motion through the palate, filling out with cassis fruits alongside liquorice root and a clear saline lick on the end of play. Ageing takes place in a mix of barrel and amphoras as with Ferrière, including new amphoras that are made in Limoges and have a porcelain-lined interior. First year officially certified Ecocert.

Wine Enthusiast: 95
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.

James Suckling: 96
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.