Owned by Claire Villars-Lurton, Château Haut-Bages Libéral occupies an enviable position on the sought-after Bages plateau. The vineyard is divided into three parcels bordering those of Château Latour, Château Pichon Comtesse de Lalande and Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste. Its fine gravel soils provide an ideal setting for the vines. Much of the vineyard was replanted during the 1960s, and the vines are now fully revealing their true character. The vineyards are farmed biodynamically, with agroforestry and permanent cover crops playing a central role in the estate’s viticultural approach. The wines have evolved considerably in recent years and now display an outstanding level of quality, combining a racy character, finesse and remarkable drinkability.

Château Haut-Bages Libéral, ranked 5th Grand Cru in 1855, stands proudly next to its prestigious neighbours Châteaux Latour and Pichon, reaping the rewards of an outstanding terroir. A terroir that Alain Surtre, responsible for viticulture, and Eric Boissenot, responsible for oenology, are committed to elevate. Accordingly, the vines are cultivated biodynamically and the grapes are harvested manually to preserve the fruit. The grapes are carefully sorted and gently macerated prior to the vinification process, which is conducted in inert containers to avoid imbuing the juice with overly woody aromas. This involves temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. The wine is then matured in oak barrels, with around 40% of new wood. The maturation period depends entirely on the vintage, ranging from 12 to 18 months. On tasting, an intense, dark wine with an equally rich bouquet emerges from the glass. Notes of black fruit and prunes reveal a full-bodied, tannic structure. Designed for ageing, it perfectly illustrates the estate’s savoir-faire in terms of cultivation and vinification, as well as the nobility of its terroir. This is an outstanding wine that deserves to be tasted at least once in a lifetime.