Le Haut-Médoc de Haut-Bages Libéral

With Château Haut-Bages, quite simply, the "Haut-Bages" part of the name comes from the fact that the estate sits on the highest part of the lieu-dit of Bages, with "Libéral" being the name of the family who acquired it in the 1700s. By the 1800s the winemaking had grown significantly in prestige and reputation being awarded the status of Grand Cru Classé in the 1855 classification. Subsequently, after years of passing through the hands of different owners, it made its way to Jacques Merlaut who bequethed it to his grand-daugther Claire Villars-Lurton in 2000. 

Claire has been making a name for herself over the years and is particularly known for her laser focus on sustainability and biodiversity. In 2022, Decanter described her as "one of Bordeaux's most exciting winemakers, leading the way in agroforestry and agroecology as another way to create healthier vines for the future."

Currently in conversion to organic and biodynamic farming, this 8 hectare vineyard comprising clay and limestone soils lies to the north of Pauillac. The wine spends 18 to 24 days fermenting in stainless steel before aging in oak barrels for 12 months.

Tasting notes: Fresh and elegant and more subtle than you might expect, with fine fruit and supple tannins. Great with red meats served with fruity sauces. If you're feeling retro, try roast duck with cherries.