La Fleur de Haut Bages Libéral
Pauillac
Throughout the early eighteenth century the Liberal family acted as wine brokers for the property, selling each harvest to the Netherlands and Belgium. Over multiple generations of successful international dealings, the Liberals had accumulated a significant portion Pauillac, their properties sitting next to Chateau Latour and Chateau Pichon Baron. In 1855 this area because the 5th classified Bordeaux Growth.
In 1960, the Cruse family, owner of Château Pontet Canet, another 5th Classified Growth in Pauillac, acquired the estate, intending to revive its youth through an extensive program of replanting the vineyard. However, it was in 1983, at the arrival of the Villars family, that Chateau Haut-Bages Liberal really recovered its former glory. Today, the property is run by Claire Villars Lurton, who did a complete technological overhaul of the winery and has implemented environmentally sustainably winegrowing and winemaking practices.
Tasting Notes
"A beautiful aromatic density. The nose has aromas of red and black fruits and some toasty notes."
Cultivation
Hand picked harvest.
Vinification
Traditional vinification in stainless and concrete vats, whose volumes are proportional to the plots. Fermented on skins or 18-24 days.
Aging
Aged in oak barrels for 16 months (40% new oak).
APPELLATION
Paulliac
VARIETAL
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
ABV
13%
SOIL
Limestone, clay, gravel
PHILOSOPHY
Biodynamic, organic