Probably the finest Haut-Bages Liberal since the 1982, this beautifully rich wine has an inky purple color, a big, sweet kiss of creme de cassis, incense, some background spicy oak and forest floor. Its gorgeous fruit, full-bodied opulence, impressive purity, expansive texture and broad, savory finish make for a terrific wine to drink over the next 25+ years. Drink: 2012 - 2037
The 2009 Haut Bages Libéral feels disjointed on the nose with quite punchy graphite aromas coming through, though it needs more cohesion. The palate is medium-bodied with a chewy entry, more red fruit than black, let down by a rather monotone finish. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting.
Currant and mint, with hints of fresh herbs. Lovely complex nose already. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a long, racy finish. Solid core of beautiful fruit.
Sweet and oddly floral on the nose...? Plus a note of greenness. Rather simple and austere. Did this really ripen properly? Date tasted 1st April 2010. Drink 2016-2026.
Claire Villars-Lurton of Chateau Ferrière has been producing some excellent and modestly priced wine at this small Pauillac property in recent years. 14 hectares of vines are alongside Latour - overlooking the river, with 16 hectares behind Pichon Baron. One to watch. 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot. Lots of blackcurrant here. Quite firm and structured. Very classically Pauillac, a bit lean but certainly serious and could flesh out in time.
The fruit is very concentrated lots of blackcurrant and sloes. The tannins feel firm giving it a big structure and rather overpowering fruit sweetness. There is fruit behind but time will be needed for it to win through. Drink 2022-2044.
Claire Villars says she was glad she could include 70% Cabernet in what might otherwise have been an over-ripe wine. The result is an impressive HBL that is likely to be priced some way below its more famous neighbours. Unusually elegant for the château, the 2009 is delightfully fresh, with well-handled oak and sweet Cabernet fruit. 15+ years.
Black red, finely concentrated and rather tight black-currant fruit, a certain leafy leanness that is made up for by good middle concentration and length. Drink 2015-25.
Tasted at the Union de Grand Cru in London. The HBL has a little more intensity on the nose than the Fieuzal, sous-bois, a touch of cigar box and cedar with a hint of black cherries and blackberry. The palate is medium-bodied with a touch of cassis and menthol on the entry, lithe in the mouth with a simple but sappy finish. This is a distinctive Pauillac, perhaps just a little rustic and missing the persistency of the top Pauillac wines, but very appealing. Tasted November 2011.
Tasted at the UGC. A blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Merlot, this has a ripe, quite floral, feminine nose with bright black fruits, pencil shaving and a touch of cedar. Very Pauillac, refined and understated. The palate has slightly chewy tannins on the entry, giving way to a more succulent texture with a little aeration: blackcurrant wine gums, cedar, a touch of white pepper, foursquare with graphite on the finish. It could do with a little more depth and length, but I appreciate the balance and poise and I think this will round out during élevage. Tasted March 2010.
