Château Haut-Bages Libéral 2015 Pauillac (75cl, 13.5%)

A Fifth Growth Bordeaux red from Pauillac, made from 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot. Hand-harvested and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel, it aged for 16 months in 40% new French oak. The estate is certified organic and biodynamic, a rarity among classified Pauillac properties. The nose shows black currant, blackberry, graphite, pencil shavings and earthy underbrush, with cedar and a subtle leather note emerging with time. The palate is dense and dry, with cassis, dark fig, dark chocolate, olive and ripe blackberry, plus vanilla, liquorice and concentrated black fruit after decanting. The finish is clean and well-defined, with lingering graphite, cedar and dark fruit. Firm but polished tannins suggest continued development in bottle.