2025 Haut-Bages Liberal (Pauillac)

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. 93 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. 93-96 points

The 2025 Haut-Bages Liberal was picked at 32 hl/ha between September 8 and 18 and matured in 35% new oak with 30% in concrete ovoid tanks. What distinguishes this property is that half the vines lie on limestone soils, which is unusual in Pauillac. This has clearly the most beguiling aromatics among the three wines that I tasted with Claire Villars-Lurton, with pure black cherries, cassis and violet scents that burst from the glass. Wonderful delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins, a silver thread of acidity and, crucially, that tingle from the limestone soils that defines the finish. What a superb and distinctive Pauillac this is. 93-95 points