Pauillac 1999 Château Haut-Bages Libéral
The Pauillac Château Haut-Bages Libéral is a Bordeaux blend red wine produced by the historic estate located in the prestigious Pauillac appellation, one of the most renowned in the Haut-Médoc. This region is famous for crafting wines of great finesse and longevity, and Château Haut-Bages Libéral perfectly embodies these characteristics.
Today, the estate is passionately managed by Claire Villars Lurton, who has introduced significant innovations both in the vineyard and the winery, including the conversion to organic and biodynamic farming. The vines, with an average age of about 35 years, grow on gravelly soils with limestone and clay subsoils, which contribute to the wine’s remarkable freshness and minerality.
Harvesting is carried out by hand, carefully selecting only the finest grapes. The vinification process follows traditional methods, with fermentation taking place in stainless steel tanks and cement vats, followed by 18-24 days of maceration on the skins. The wine is then aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, 40% of which are new, enhancing its aromatic profile without overpowering it.
In the glass, it presents a deep ruby red color. The nose reveals a complex and refined bouquet, featuring aromas of ripe red fruits, mint, undergrowth, and truffle, enriched by elegant hints of cocoa and licorice from the barrel aging. On the palate, it is smooth and well-balanced, with silky tannins and a mineral freshness that adds elegance and persistence. The finish is long and enveloping, perfectly balancing power and finesse.
An excellent pairing for red meats, game, and aged cheeses, this Pauillac is a wine with a strong personality, capable of evolving beautifully over time.