ChateauHaut-BagesLiberalPauillac

93/100 – The 2015 Haut-Bages Libéral is one of the best releases in recent years. It has an elegant bouquet of refined black cherry and crushed strawberry aromas; the oak here is very well knitted. The palate is medium-bodied with firm, grainy tannin, layers of black fruit laced with tar and tobacco, and firm but not overbearing grip on the finish. Good aging potential here. Excellent. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.Neal Martin