This is grippy and old-school in style, with a core of warmed fig and black currant paste flavors framed by ample charcoal and baker's chocolate notes, but this is well-integrated, and everything cruises nicely through a sanguine-accented finish.—Blind 2000 Bordeaux retrospective (December 2015). Drink now through 2023. 10,000 cases made. — JM

The 2000 Haut Bages Libéral has a superior nose to the 2001, featuring intense black cherry fruit laced with truffle oil and crushed violets; it seems very youthful. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins and plenty of sweet black fruit laced with blood orange and white pepper, building gently to a nicely proportioned finish. Maybe this is the dark horse of the 2000 vintage, because it is aging very well. -- Neal Martin

Just starting to drink well, this is a solid example of a classic Left Bank Bordeaux. Here you find crisp, bright, red fruits, some strictness in the tannins and all the cedar, forest leaf, cigar box, peppery herbs and both, sweet with tart, red fruits. This should offer pleasure for another 15-20 years. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2000&wine=Chateau%20Haut-Bages%20Liberal

This fifth growth is punching above its class under the control of Claire Villars-Lurton (whose family also runs Chasse-Spleen and La Gurgue). The wine is foursquare, rich and solid, filled with firm tannins.Blackcurrant fruit flavors, herbs and acidity complet a serious style of wine. ROGER VOSS