Haut-Bages-Liberal (Chateau)

The winery is located in the Pauillac area of the Médoc (Bordeaux). The name "Haut-Bages" refers to the highest point of the Plateau Bages, where the estate and the vineyards are located between the communes of Pauillac and Saint-Julien. It was founded in the 18th century by the Libéral family, to which the last part of the name refers. In the second half of the 19th century, phylloxera and powdery mildew led to a decline. In 1960, the estate was acquired by the Société Civile Charreules, with the Cruse family as the main shareholders. A part of the vineyards was assigned to Château Pontet-Canet. In 1982, Haut-Bages-Libéral was sold to the Taillan Group, led by Jacques Merlaut (+2008). Since 1992, it has been managed by his granddaughter Claire Villars-Lurton (wife of Gonzague Lurton). In the 1855 Bordeaux classification, the estate was awarded fifth place (Cinquième Cru Classé). The vineyards cover 28 hectares with Cabernet-Sauvignon (80%), Merlot (17%) and Petit Verdot (3%). This extremely long-lasting red wine is aged for 16 months in 40% new barriques. The second wine is called "La Chapelle de Bages".