Tasted at the chateau and at the UGC cropped at 42hl/ha the Haut-Bages-Liberal 28% Merlot and 72% Cabernet Sauvignon this has a very well defined nose of blackberry briary wild hedgerow and a touch of crushed stone. With a little aeration there is a touch of oyster shell. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine quite succulent tannins on the entry that belies the backbone underneath. Good grip though showing more silkiness under sunny skies and high pressure the following week at the UGC.

Deep garnet in color, the 2010 Haut Bages Liberal is a bit subdued to begin, unfurling to offer glimpses at mature stewed plums and warm figs scents with touches of mossy tree bark, unsmoked cigars and truffles. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers lovely freshness and well-managed, approachable tannins, finishing on a mineral note.- LPB

The wine from this chateau, whose vines touch those of Latour, is solid and dense, with a sense of severity that is often the hallmark of this fifth growth. It is dark and the fruits whisper in the distance. This needs to age for several years.