1995 Château Haut-Bages-Libéral
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Tasting notes
The 1995 possesses a bit more depth and intensity than the 1996, but it is also lean and austere. The attractive saturated ruby/purple color suggests plenty of intensity, which is evident on the attack, but, again, the mid-palate is deficient in fruit, glycerin, and concentration, and the finish is dry, with a high level of tannin. This wine may soften with more bottle age and become better than my rating suggests. Let's hope so. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2012. Neither the 1995 nor 1996 Haut-Bages-Liberal performed as well in November as they did in previous tastings.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
The 1995 possesses a bit more depth and intensity than the 1996, but it is also lean and austere. The attractive saturated ruby/purple color suggests plenty of intensity, which is evident on the attack, but, again, the mid-palate is deficient in fruit, glycerin, and concentration, and the finish is dry, with a high level of tannin. This wine may soften with more bottle age and become better than my rating suggests. Let's hope so. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2012. Feb 1998, www.robertparker.com
Good dark red color. Toasty, cassis scented nose, with a floral topnote. Nice sweetness on entry, then firm and penetrating. Offers good intensity and freshness, but the acidity will need time to harmonize with the fruit. Not especially tannic.