Complex nose of blackberries, currants, oyster shells, iodine, gravel, cloves, dried leaves and bark. Medium-bodied with firm, very fine tannins. Layered and serious. Extremely long in the finish. Classic Pauillac. 20% aged in concrete. 80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% merlot. From biodynamically grown grapes. Try after 2026.

The classed growth, whose vineyard is in the south of Pauillac, is now performing impressively. This release has succulent black fruits that are braced with tannins and a firm, spicy structure. It is a dense wine that will age. Drink from 2026. Organic. ROGER VOSS

The 2019 Haut-Bages-Libéral has turned out superbly, offering up aromas of wild berries, cassis, licorice, rose petals and sweet soil tones, followed by a medium to full-bodied, velvety and seamless palate, its powdery structuring tannins hidden in an ample core of lively, succulent fruit. From biodynamically farmed vineyards located on clay-limestone and gravel soils to the north of Château Latour (as well as a parcel of gravel sandwiched between Pichon-Baron and Lynch-Bages), this is a terrific effort from an estate that deserves to be much better known. - William Kelley

(94+ points) The 2019 Haut-Bages Libéral is a gorgeous wine from Claire Lurton, even if it has closed down a bit post-bottling. Deep and translucent in feel, the 2019 gradually reveals hints of crushed red berry fruit, mint, spice, rose petal and orange peel. I especially admire the overall energy and aromatic presence. All the 2019 needs is a few years to fully come together. -- Antonio Galloni

Dark black bramble fruits on the nose with a lovely blackcurrant juiciness - brightness straight away in the mouth, the tannins are supportive, fine and gently gripping and this has a really lovely depth - not too rich or too light, just a very pleasant easy drinkability. You can feel the sculpting of the fruit, firm and muscular, it is well defined and precise but with soft edges and a menthol / liquorice finish common to Pauillac. Power but clarity, cooling flavours and good balance. A great wine. Drinking Window 2023 - 2035

A successful Haut Bages Libéral, with juicy black cassis fruits, firm Pauillac tannins with a eucalyptus and white pepper twist on the finish. 40% new oak here. This is an estate that is in full evolution right now, with an impressive commitment to doing things differently - they are just uprooting a 1ha plot in front of the chateau, for example, to replant as agroforestry. First year officially certified Ecocert. 49hl/ha yield.