2005 Château Haut-Bages Libéral, Pauillac, Bordeaux

The 2005 Haut-Bages-Libéral comes from an era when biodynamics were being introduced into the vineyard. This has a delightful bouquet, fresh and delineated with pure brambly red fruit and traces of orange zest and iodine. The palate is well balanced with sappy black fruit, quite sinewy at first, but a lovely salinity defines a finish that beckons you back for more. Excellent. Tasted at the château.

Drink 2025-2045, 92/100, Neal Martin (June 2025)