Château Haut-Bages Liberal 2012 (Magnum)
Suggested Food Pairings:
A great wine from Pauillac, rich and powerful. Château Haut-Bages Libéral is a magnificent Cru Classé, probably one of the best and least known in the appellation. The 29-hectare property is superbly sited in the south of the Pauillac appellation between Château Latour and the 2 Pichons. The vineyards (Cabernet Sauvignon 80%, Merlot 17%, Petit Verdot 3%) lie on deep gravel beds over limestone. The wines are matured in oak barriques (40% new) for 16-18 months. Since Claire Villars has been at the helm, the wines have become deeper in color and more concentrated, with notable depth of fruit. It is classified as a 5ème Cru Classé.
Tasting Notes
The nose is reminiscent of black fruits, strawberry, cherry and spices (vanilla, cedar, sweet spices). The palate is soft, elegant, beautifully fleshy, fresh and expresses notes of black fruit (blackberry, plum, cassis) associated with some more discreet red fruits, a touch of wood as well as a few spices.
Food Pairing
A nicely cooked steak, beef and venison.
Grape Variety: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon
Country: Bordeaux - France
