Chateau Haut Bages Liberal 2002

90 points

Pauillac, Bordeaux. 12.5%

This is very classic yet modern. The wine’s purity and freshness are features of the very best wines from this vintage.

Aromas that are dark and yet warm with oak, but oak without any cosmetic sweetness. Medium to full weight. Tight Pauillac currant flavours but with a warm and slightly smokey oak wrapping. This really is very good, and so very good value due to the low prices of the 2002 vintage. This chateau has become one of the bargains of Bordeaux which is very odd for a Pauillac, especially one next door to Latour.

I really wish I’d bought more to cellar. The wine is still very young, and I suspect will age rather slowly. Buy it if you can.