Haut Bages Libéral

History of Château Haut-Bages Libéral

Founded in the 18th century by the Libéral family, Château Haut-Bages Libéral owes its name to the family who managed the estate, as well as to the Bages plateau where part of the vineyard is located. Wine brokers from father to son, the Libérals mainly exported their production to the Netherlands and Belgium, quickly making the quality of their wine known beyond French borders.

Classified as a Fifth Growth in 1855 at the Paris Universal Exhibition, the estate subsequently experienced ups and downs, particularly at the end of the 19th century with vine diseases and economic crises. It was not until the 1960s, with the takeover by the Cruse family, that the vineyard regained its former lustre. After a period of replanting and modernisation, Château Haut-Bages Libéral once again became a reference in the Pauillac appellation.

In 1983, the estate was acquired by the Taillan group, under the direction of Jacques Merlaut, before his daughter, Claire Villars-Lurton, took over. Today, she continues to manage the estate with passion, investing in innovative and environmentally friendly viticultural practices.

Terroirs and Vines of Château Haut-Bages Libéral

The vineyard of Château Haut-Bages Libéral spans 30 hectares in the Pauillac appellation, renowned for producing some of the best wines on the left bank. The estate benefits from a strategic position, located near the famous vineyards of Château Latour and Château Pichon Baron, with part of the vines on the Bages plateau and the other on gravelly soils rich in limestone.

The diversity of the estate's soils is a major asset for the production of complex and harmonious wines. The deep gravels, present on half of the vineyard, favour good natural irrigation and balanced growth of the vines. On the more clay-limestone plots, the vine roots deeply, absorbing mineral elements that bring finesse and freshness to the château's wines.

The estate's grape varieties are dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (70%), the emblematic grape variety of the Pauillac appellation, which brings structure, power and ageing potential to the wines. Merlot (30%) completes this blend by bringing roundness and suppleness. The vines, with an average age of 35 years, are planted at a high density (10,000 vines per hectare), promoting competition between the vines and guaranteeing quality production.

Vinification at Château Haut-Bages Libéral

Since its transition to organic viticulture in 2019 and its biodynamic certification in the same year, Château Haut-Bages Libéral has committed to a nature-friendly vinification approach. The practices implemented aim to preserve ecosystems while producing authentic, high-quality wines. The vineyard is managed without synthetic chemicals, and the estate favours the use of biodynamic preparations to stimulate the vitality of soils and vines.

Vinification is carried out in vats sized proportionally to the plots, which allows for respecting the identity of each terroir. The estate has 32 temperature-controlled vats, including 16 in stainless steel and 16 in concrete. Malolactic fermentation, which softens the tannins and brings roundness to the wine, takes place in both vats and amphorae.

Ageing then takes place in French oak barrels for 16 to 18 months, with a proportion of 40% new wood to bring subtle woody aromas and ageing potential. Since 2018, part of the wine has also been aged in amphorae, which preserves the purity of the fruit and accentuates the minerality of the wines.

The Cuvées of Château Haut-Bages Libéral

Château Haut-Bages Libéral produces three main cuvées that illustrate all the richness and diversity of its terroir.

Château Haut-Bages Libéral - Grand Vin

The grand vin of Château Haut-Bages Libéral is a true expression of the Pauillac terroir. Endowed with a beautiful tannic structure, it seduces with its balance between power and refinement. The presence of limestone in the soil brings a touch of freshness and minerality that distinguishes it from other growths in the appellation. The 2021 vintage, for example, reveals aromas of small red fruits, supported by an elegant texture and a long, vibrant finish. This wine has an impressive ageing capacity and improves over the years.

Chapelle de Haut-Bages Libéral - Second Wine

Chapelle de Haut-Bages Libéral, the second wine of Château Haut-Bages Libéral in Pauillac, offers an accessible entry into the world of great Bordeaux wines. Certified organic and biodynamic, it benefits from careful plot-by-plot vinification, guaranteeing quality and authenticity. Its ageing potential promises an interesting evolution, while its prestigious terroir, neighbouring renowned Châteaux, ensures a typical Pauillac character. A wise choice for discovering the excellence of a great estate at a more affordable price.

Ceres - Natural Wine without Added Sulphur

Ceres is an experimental cuvée, vinified without added sulphur, which reflects the estate's commitment to more natural wines. This wine, from the same plots as the grand vin, is characterised by its great digestibility and immediate appeal. It seduces with its frank aromas and silky texture. Ceres is a fresh and authentic wine, perfect for lovers of natural wines seeking purity and character.

Pauillac, one of the most prestigious appellations in the Médoc, ranks among the great Bordeaux wines, with remarkable vintages that have made history. Among the finest vintages are those from 1975, 1982, 1985, 1986, 1989 and 1990, renowned for their complexity and longevity. The years 1995, 1996, 2000, 2003 and 2005 also stand out for their richness and power. More recently, the vintages 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 have confirmed Pauillac's exceptional potential, offering wines that are both elegant and powerful, perfect for long-term cellaring.

The Fifth Classified Growths offer a beautiful diversity of properties in the Médoc, testifying to Bordeaux's winemaking expertise. In Pauillac, one finds renowned estates such as Château d'Armailhac, Château Batailley, Château Clerc Milon, Château Croizet-Bages, Château Grand-Puy Ducasse, Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Château Haut-Bages Libéral, Château Haut-Batailley, Château Lynch-Bages, Château Lynch-Moussas, Château Pedesclaux, and Château Pontet-Canet. In the Haut-Médoc, Château Camensac and Château Cantemerle stand out with their own characteristics. In Margaux, Château Dauzac and Château du Tertre bring a touch of elegance, while Château Cos Labory from Saint-Estèphe completes this prestigious selection. Each of these estates reflects a unique facet of the Bordeaux terroir.

Château Haut-Bages Libéral embodies the perfect alliance between tradition and innovation in the world of Bordeaux wines. Since its foundation in the 18th century, the estate has continually reinvented itself, whether under the impetus of the Libéral, Cruse or Villars-Lurton families. Thanks to its exceptional terroir, its commitment to environmentally friendly viticulture and its unique expertise, the château produces powerful and elegant wines, a true reflection of the Pauillac appellation.