Chateau Haut-Bages Liberal Pauillac 2009 750ml

Château Haut-Bages Libéral is a Fifth Growth in the 1855 Classification, in Pauillac. The Merlaut family has owned it since 1982, and Claire Villars-Lurton runs it. Its roughly 30 hectares include parcels right next to Château Latour, half on the gravel of the Pauillac plateau and half on clay-limestone.

SommSelect lists the 2009 as 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Merlot, aged in French oak barrels, 40% of them new. It's 13.5% alcohol.

Justerini & Brooks describe currant, mint and fresh herbs, silky tannins and a long, racy finish. Wine Advocate called it probably the finest Haut-Bages Libéral since the 1982, and James Suckling wrote that it is perhaps the best ever from the estate.

Against Château d'Armailhac 2005, Haut-Bages Libéral 2009 costs less and comes from vineyards beside Latour; for a mature classed-growth Pauillac at this price, choose Haut-Bages Libéral.

At 17 years old, it is drinking now. SommSelect suggests decanting for 30 to 60 minutes, serving at 60 to 65°F and drinking through 2040; Justerini & Brooks are more cautious, at 2020 to 2028.

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