Château Haut-Bages Libéral Pauillac AOC 5ème Grand Cru Classé 2012

Haut-Bages Libéral not only ranks among the châteaux of the original 1855 Bordeaux classification system; it also draws from an organic vineyard run by a well-known winemaker, Claire Villars Lurton, daughter of another well-known winemaker, Bernadette Villars Merlaut. Primarily cabernet sauvignon (80%), with merlot (20%) in the background, their flagship offering ages for 12 months in French oak. This 2012 vintage is classic left-bank Bordeaux: herbal and cedar on the nose, dark-fruited with hints of licorice and smoke, it has freshness and depth in balance. Organically grown.