(95-97+ points) (Pauillac; 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot; a final yield of 32 hl/ha; pH 3.57; 13.2% ABV; tasted with Claire Villars-Lurton in Bordeaux). Utterly divine aromatically. Classical but somehow more vibrant than almost any other wine of the appellation, both from the impact of the limestone and from the biodynamic winemaking. Cedar and graphite are already very present, rendering this more classically Pauillac in personality than it sometimes can be. The fruit is darker too and this has a beguiling, almost slightly aristocratic charm. The tannins are fabulous, with that lovely chalky, powdery feel right on the finish. The vivid sense of freshness is helped greatly here by the limestone (present here in the highest proportions for a classed growth). Sapid and almost scrunchy on the finish, with the grip and twist of the tactile tannins squeezing additional freshness onto the palate. I love it. 95-97+

(96-97 points) Bright and vivid on the nose and palate, with blackberries, black currants, raspberries and violets. It's medium-bodied with firm and racy tannins and a salty undertone in the finish, Such real energy. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification.

One of the best Haut-Bages Libérals I've tasted from barreel. Perfumed blackcurrants, quite dark and true to form with a gorgeous perfume. Aromatics are great. Juicy and crisp, sleek and svelte, definitely quite streamlined but with such soft, velvety tannins that give grip but support the vibrant fruit so well. I love this. Really very classic, muscular but gentle with purity and focus. Hard to explain but this is great, maybe quite light and not layered enough, but there’s such complex flavours and aromas. And the acidity is excellent. A very friendly wine that will be easy to approach. Half gravelly soil, half limestone with 50% chalk on Cabernet – really rare for a cru classé. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 3.56pH. A yield of 32hl/ha.

(93-96 points) The 2025 Haut-Bages Liberal is a powerful, tightly wound wine. Bright acids and beams of tannin are front and center. In this tasting, it is driven and also very shut down. The saline-drenched finish reverberates with tension. Intense red-toned fruit, chalk, mint, white pepper and blood orange fill out the layers. - Antonio Galloni

Intense, gunsmoke and roses opening, the perception of acidity that is typical in the vintage is higher here than in the Claire Lurton Margaux wines, but measured by salinity, autumnal fruits and chalky tannins, Eric Boissenot consultant. 3.56ph, with the highest proportion of limestone in any vineyard in Pauillac. Harvest September 8 to 18. Yield 32 hl/ha. 35% new oak. 3.56 pH