Château Haut-Bages Libéral | Pauillac

Château Haut-Bages Libéral is a classified 1855 Fifth Growth in Pauillac owned and run by Claire Villars-Lurton and her husband Gonzague Lurton. The property has a perfect position in Pauillac, counting Château Latour and Château Pichon Baron as neighbours. Château Haut-Bages Libéral and Château Latour are the only Pauillac estates with parcels of limestone soils, thought to lend elegance and finesse in a commune often known for its power. The vineyard is planted to a majority of Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot.

Although it has a long and distinguished history, Château Haut-Bages Libéral has really come into its own since the turn of the 21st Century, when Claire came on board after the tragic death of her parents. From 2007, she adopted a biodynamic approach and agroforestry techniques, which gradually enabled her to express the true nature of the Château. In 2017, Claire undertook major renovation work on the winery and historic buildings. The property no longer has to blush alongside its impressive Pauillac neighbours and can now devote itself to its raison d’être : the expression of its terroir, for the production of a great wine.

Under Claire's leadership, the property is now making perhaps its best-ever wines. The second wine, Chapelle de Haut Bages Libéral, comes from the younger vines and offers a forward, accessible Pauillac for early drinking.