The 2023 Haut-Bages Libéral is a potent, virile wine. In many vintages, Haut-Bages Libéral is a bit more pliant and inviting, but the 2023 is a wine that is going to need time to come around. Swaths of tannin wrap around a core of black fruit, leather, lavender, licorice, incense and gravel. The 2023 was aged for 16 months in 40% new barrels, 40% once-filled barrels and 20% in a mix of amphora and concrete ovals. I can't wait to see how this ages.
96 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Mar 2026)
This has an attractive, expressive nose of cassis, graphite, blue and red fruit and a subtle floral lift. Medium- to full-bodied with impressive depth and energy, it shows chalky, vibrant tannins that bring focus and definition. Expansive yet controlled, with great tension and length. A blend of 86% cabernet sauvignon and 14% merlot, aged in new French oak barrels, concrete and amphorae. Already pleasant, but will evolve beautifully with time. Drink or hold.
96 points, Jacobo García Andrade, James Suckling (Dec 2025)
Silky smooth and supple, this is full of bounce and energy with a fresh and focused core. Juicy, clean, so beautifully presented. Balanced and harmonious with a really delicious palate full of strawberry and cherry juice and just-grippy tannins that give a wet stone, flint aspect. Touches of liquorice and chocolate too. An extremely elegant Pauillac that leans into the approachability of the vintage with juiciness and mass appeal.
95 points, Georgina Hindle, Decanter (Jan 2026)
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