Château Haut-Bages Libéral 2018 Pauillac (75cl)

Château Haut-Bages Libéral 2018 is a Pauillac Fifth Growth from 1855, owned by Claire Villars-Lurton. The blend is 79% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Merlot. Ageing lasted 16 months: 40% in new oak barrels, 40% in one-year barrels and 20% in egg-shaped concrete vats. The estate was in conversion to organic and biodynamic farming for this vintage. The 30 ha vineyard sits on Guntz gravels over limestone and clay, with part adjoining Château Latour and part on the Bages plateau. The estate describes a subtle mix of red fruits, woody notes and truffle on the nose; a gently sweet attack; an unctuous mid-palate with powerful tannin; and a lightly spicy finish.