2018 Chateau Haut-Bages Libéral Pauillac [JS97][V94][D92]

Producer: Chateau Haut-Bages  
Region: Pauillac, Bordeaux, France  
Blend: Bordeaux Red Blend  
Year: 2018 

James Suckling, 97 Points 

"Pretty blackberries, blueberries and violets with some crushed-raspberry aromas follow through to a full body with wonderfully crafted and pure tannins that intertwine wonderfully with the blue fruit and blackberries. Long and endless. A triumph here. From biodynamically grown grapes. Try after 2026." 

Vinous, 94 Points 

"The 2018 Haut-Bages Libéral is super-impressive right out of the gate. It shows all the depth and intensity I saw from barrel, with maybe a bit more tannic impact. Ripe red cherry, plum, orange peel, cedar and sweet spice all build in the glass. The 2018 is going to need a few years to come into its own, but it is a gorgeous Pauillac." 

Decanter, 92 Points 

"Some pretty fierce tannins on display; then as it opens the emphasis goes to pencil lead and cassis. There is plenty of Pauillac character here but you have to wait for it to unfurl. Partly aged in amphorae, alongside 40% new oak. A good yield of 45hl/ha despite current conversions to biodynamics." 

Alcohol: 14.5% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.