2003 Haut Bages Liberal
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Tasting notes
The 2003 Haut-Bages Libéral offers red cherry and black truffle on the nose, perhaps just needing a little more delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with truffle-infused black fruit. It's well-balanced and still with freshness, albeit not the complexity you find in contemporary HBL. Not a precise Pauillac, but it has lasted better than many "grander" names. Tasted at the château.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Racy, fragrant, polished and sophisticated. The alcohol seeps through on the finish but overall this is a wine with more personality than just the vintage. Very dry finish though. Ambitious. (Average group score: 16.3) (JR)
A dark ruby/purple color is followed by aromas of cassis, herbs, and underbrush in this spicy, moderately oaky Pauillac. Bitter tannins in the finish make a final judgment somewhat cautionary. Two to three years of cellaring may be beneficial, but whether the fruit or the tannin will last the longest remains questionable. Proceed with caution.