The 2016 Haut Bages Liberal is a Bordeaux blend hailing from the esteemed Pauillac sub-region of Bordeaux, France. This red wine, produced by Haut Bages Liberal, demonstrates a classic representation of the area’s wine-making tradition. With a 13.5% alcohol content and sealed with a cork closure, this wine is marked by its deep, rich color and complex flavor profile.
Renowned wine critic James Suckling gave this wine an impressive score of 95, highlighting its "very chewy and long" nature, with "ripe tannins and plenty of fruit suggesting tobacco and blackcurrant character." Suckling also notes the wine's long finish and the use of biodynamic grapes, indicating a commitment to sustainable practices.
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com awarded the wine a score of 94, praising its development over the years. He describes it as a "classic Pauillac, medium-bodied, fresh, crisp, and floral, with hints of tobacco, cherries, currants, and spice." Leve emphasizes that the palate is "loaded with sweet, red currants, spice, herbs and cassis," making it a wine to enjoy from 2024 through 2045.
Wine Enthusiast's review, scoring the wine at 93, underlines its "rich tannins, generous black fruits, and an opulent character." The publication also notes that it comes from a biodynamic estate, suggesting a wine that is both high-quality and environmentally conscious. They recommend drinking it from 2025 onwards.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, with a score range of 90-92, commends the wine's focused and sumptuous bouquet. The review points out its "medium-bodied" nature with "fine tannin, pretty blackberry and boysenberry fruit laced with a touch of oyster shell," leading to an elegant finish.
Wine Spectator also awards it 92 points, describing the wine as "sleek, almost brisk-styled," with "bright iron and chalk notes flanking a core of red currant, cherry and violet flavors." They note its persistent, defined, and taut style, best enjoyed from 2024 through 2038.
Decanter, awarding 92 points, remarks on the wine's hefty, deep nature, with "chewy tannins" and a long life ahead. They note that Haut Bages Liberal is undergoing conversion to organic and biodynamic practices and highlight the rich damson fruit and tannins enrobed by oak.
Overall, the 2016 Haut Bages Liberal is a highly regarded wine with a strong presence and the potential for longevity, making it a noteworthy choice for Bordeaux enthusiasts.