Château Haut-Bages Libéral 1996

This wine reveals an element of jammy black currant fruit intermixed with dried roasted herbs, sweet earthy smells, and new oak. It offers excellent definition, moderate tannin, medium to full body, and a long finish. As the wine sits in the glass, elements of the Cabernet Sauvignon's sur-maturite become noticeable. It is a potential sleeper, and possibly a realistic value because Haut-Bages-Liberal rarely sells for an excessive price. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2017.

A rather discreet style, with understated currant and berry aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, with firm tannins and a silky, fruity aftertaste. Needs time to open a bit. Best after 2003.

Light crimson. Very light mineral nose. Quite solid structure on the palate with a beginning, middle and end, but the fruit doesn’t seem brilliantly ripe. Slightly green notes on the finish. (JR)

Perhaps I do not taste enough of this classic Pauillac. I really liked the ripe cassis, smoke, tobacco and ripe black cherry, earthy nose. Rich, round and tasty, this value priced Pauillac wine is showing nicely.

Dark garnet, with the first fine signs of maturity. Subtle terroir accents, freshly tanned leather, pepper notes, fine woods, cedar, a hint of mint, indicating lovely development. On the palate, beautifully spicy; the tannins are ripe with a racy edge. As much flesh as muscle, so perhaps a touch austere, but ready to enjoy now—an almost classic experience. Long life ahead.

97: Barrel sample (16/20): dense, complex bouquet showing great depth, with a hint of dried banana. Firm palate, lots of flesh, a strict tannic note in the extract, which unfortunately—like last year—makes it a bit rugged, almost green; cherry tones on the finish. The tannin outweighs the aromas, giving the wine a very strict profile. 00: Medium Bordeaux red, saturated in the center, lightening at the rim. Sweet bouquet, quite red-berried for a Pauillac, gently jammy nuances on the nose. On the palate first juicy, then gently firm tannins, long-bodied structure; needs five more years to fully unfold. (17/20). 13: Dark garnet, first fine signs of maturity. Fine terroir accents, freshly tanned leather, pepper notes, fine woods, cedar, a hint of mint, showing lovely maturity. On the palate beautifully spicy, the tannins are ripe and carry a racy note. As much flesh as muscle—perhaps a touch ascetic—but already an almost classic experience to enjoy now. Long life. (17/20). 21: The color is surprisingly pale with little core. Conversely, the development of maturity is still limited. Open bouquet, more earthy than fruity: sun-dried tomatoes, dried goji berries, bastwood, dark autumn mushrooms (black morels), a salty, mineral shimmer on the nose with an appealing touch of terroir. Medium-weight palate, well balanced, fairly fine in its flesh and still showing some reserves. It improved with air and then remained for a very long time at a beautiful level of enjoyment. So decanting is a good recommendation. (17/20).

Powerful, full, silky, spicy bouquet with blackberry, black fruit, tobacco, fine currant notes, delicate licorice. Balanced, full and robust palate with a creamy texture, fine tannins, intense dark aromatics, and a long, generous finish. 18/20 drink - 2030

Almost black. Clean. Medium intensity. Fruity. Dense. Smoky. Blackcurrant. Oak. Same. Quite complex. Soft attack developing into a broad, fruity structure that evolves toward a complex, fairly concentrated ink and oak flavor. Juicy, velvety tannins. Beautiful finish still on the fruit with a touch of austerity. Wait confidently for this very fine wine.