2016 La Chapelle de Haut-Bages Liberal, Pauillac

Château Haut-Bages-Libéral is one of the least known Pauillac estates but produces exemplary clarets at extremely competitive prices. Since 1983 it has been owned by the Taillan Group who also own Chasse-Spleen and Cos d`Estournel. It was run during the 80s and early 90s by Bernadette Villars and, since her death, has been run by her daughter, Claire. She learned winemaking from her grandfather and built Château Haut-Bages Libéral into one of the top producers in Pauillac while staying the course of her convictions in converting to biodynamic.
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 colour and more concentrated, with a notable depth of fruit.