Haut-Bages-Libéral Pauillac 2015

94 points James Suckling: "Plenty of spicy, savory oak influence comes to the fore above a vibrant array of cassis, blackberries and plums. The palate has rich and powerful tannins that roll sturdy and long, carrying plenty of deep cherry and plum flavors. Filled out nicely, but still more to come. Try from 2022. (2/1/18)"

94 points/'Editors' Choice,' Wine Enthusiast: "This is one of the three biodynamic estates that are owned by Gonzague and Claire Lurton. The wine is generous while also firmly structured in the style of this property. A dense, dry core surrounded by blackberry and black-currant fruit promises great things. It finishes clean, clear and crisp. Drink from 2024. Alcohol 13.5%. (Feb 2018)"

93 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "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. (Jul 2019)"

93 points La Revue du Vin de France: "After a 2014 that displayed lovely, half-bodied elegance, the 2015 shows itself to be much more constructed and profound. It continues to become denser and reveals itself to be very complete, yet it's a notch above the landmark 2016! (2019)"

92 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2015 Haut-Bages Libéral is a bold, direct wine with lovely fruit intensity, good structure and fine overall balance. Today, the 2015 is quite closed in on itself, but there is good depth and persistence through the mid-palate and into the finish. It will be interesting to see if the 2015 acquires a bit more nuance and finesse over the coming years. Drink: 2020-2035. (Feb 2018)"

92 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Dark garnet colour, with purple reflections, and a delicate bright rim. On the nose there are subtle hints of vanilla, a touch of caramel and fine oak, and some dark wild berry fruit, it is an attractive bouquet. It is taut on the palate, and freshly structured, with discreet fruit sweetness, prominent tannins, and tobacco nuances on the finish. It has good length and is in a spicy style, but it is still demanding and it needs time. (3/14/19)"

91 points Jane Anson (Decanter): "Soft, smooth, deep fruit on the nose, with the oak being used to good effect. There's a flush of intensity to the black fruits - this is a wine for those who like cassis, cedar and liquorice, all delivered with a punch. It will need time to soften, but this is a good showing from Haut Bages Libérale. In biodynamic conversion. 40% new oak. Drinking Window: 2023-2035). (Nov 2017)"

91 points Tim Atkin, MW (Apr 2016).

90 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2015 Château Haut-Bages Libéral (65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Merlot brought up in 40% new oak) is an outstanding Pauillac that offers a little old-school vibe in its firm, focused, medium-bodied style and black fruits, earth, graphite and underbrush-driven aromas and flavors. It has impressive purity, integrated acidity, and notable tannin, and should be loved by classic Claret lovers. Give bottles 4-5 years and drink over the following 15. Drinking Window: 2022-2037. (Nov 2017)"