2010 Château Haut-Bages-Libéral
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
A slightly pruney nose which continues onto the palate. A real crowd pleaser but I'm concerned about its aging potential with those prune flavours.
Critic scores
Jeannie Cho Lee MW
FINE+RARE
More reviews and scores
The 2010 Haut-Bages Libéral does not quite convey the same lift on the nose as its peers, not as cohesive. There is a very slight metallic element underneath the black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, good acidity, plenty of tertiary black fruit with a liberal sprinkling of cracked black pepper on the slightly raw finish. Fresh, but I was expecting more from this cru. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal.
Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Haut Bages Liberal is a bit subdued to begin, unfurling to offer glimpses at mature stewed plums and warm figs scents with touches of mossy tree bark, unsmoked cigars and truffles. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers lovely freshness and well-managed, approachable tannins, finishing on a mineral note.
Tasted blind. Deep garnet. Definite aroma of blood/iron, then herbaceous. Dry and rather lean on the palate – might become more elegant? Slightly tart on the finish. (JH)