critic reviews
The 2021 Haut-Bages-Libéral, aged 20% in amphorae and bottled in June, has a very typical Pauillac nose with graphite and pencil shavings littered across the black fruit—quite delineated and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannins and flavors that echo the aromas. Nicely structured with good persistence on the finish, this has developed well during its barrel maturation and should give a lot of pleasure over the next 15 to 20 years.
The 2021 Haut-Bages-Liberal has turned out nicely, unfurling in the glass with aromas of cassis, minty berries, pencil shavings and cigar wrapper, followed by a medium to full-bodied, deep and layered palate that's impressively concentrated, built around a muscular frame of ripe, powdery tannins that assert themselves on the youthfully structured finish. It will reward a bit of patience.
You are clearly in Pauillac with this wine, with an earthy, soy and cold ash feel, along with blackberry fruits, chewy tannins and clear density. Impressive, 40% new oak, 20% amphoras for ageing. Harvest September 16 to October 7. Technical director Thomas Bontemps.