Château Haut-Bages Libéral 2024 en Primeur

A wonderful wine, showing roasted herbs, fine spices and currants. Very firm and clean-cut with chalky tannins and a lot of vibration. Pure and long. A unique Pauillac marked by the purity, precision and texture of its tannins. Possibly one of the best values from the vintage. 94% cabernet sauvignon, 5% merlot and 1% cabernet franc. From biodynamically grown grapes.

Wonderful aromatics, dark blackcurrants and lovely floral scents. Roses, violets, bramble hedges and tobacco. Lightly framed but glossy, this has a soft presence on the palate with a great energy from start to finish. Fun, friendly, so fruity and fleshy, round and persistent with finessed edges. Salty touches on the finish add a mineral grip and bite. Stylish and very classically Pauillac. A yield of 30hl/ha. Ageing 63% in barrels, including 26% in new barrels, 37% in ovoid concrete tanks and amphorae for 12 months. 3.57pH.

Dark ruby, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening. Fine plum fruit, candied orange zest, a hint of tobacco and cassis. Medium complexity, fresh cherry fruit, lively structure, harmonious, lemon, the limestone contributes to the liveliness, an animating food companion.

A little bit reduced on first pouring. Underneath there are notes of graphite and spice from the oak and black fruit. 30hl/ha which is low, but good for the appellation and vintage. Lots of black fruit and sinewy tannins. Good freshness and extract of fruit, this will need some considerable time but marks a new milestone in the recent evolution of Haut Bages Liberal.