Very aromatic, showing blackberry and currant aromas, with some licorice. Full-bodied, with supersilky tannins and a rich, decadent, fruity finish. Caresses the palate. Stylish and opulent. Best after 2011.

Wine Advocate April, 2008 This deep ruby/purple-colored 2005 is a classic Pauillac. A big, sweet kiss of road tar aromas interwoven with cedarwood, smoke, spice box, herbs, and black currants emerges from the glass of this unexpectedly precocious, up-front Pauillac. Fleshy, with medium to full body as well as good acidity and structure, it lacks complexity, but offers a generous mouthful of wine at a realistic price. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. Drink 2011-2031
-Parker's Wine Buyer's Guide No 7

This Pauillac, which is often under most consumers radar, has come through with a strong effort in 2005. It possesses a deep ruby/purple hue as well as aromas and flavors of creme de cassis, road tar, cedar, truffles, and licorice. Full-bodied and fleshy, with good acidity, a powerful, muscular mouthfeel, sweet tannin, and good structure as well as purity, it should hit its peak in 4-5 years and last for two decades. (90)

The Haut Bages Liberal has a refined bouquet, timid at first but growing in confidence with dark berries, wild hedgerow, truffle and scorched earth. The palate is medium-bodied with a racy entry, crisp blackberry, graphite and bell pepper with a masculine, tannic, chalky-textured finish. It is a little rustic at the moment, but full of character. Tasted July 2011.

(93-94 pts)
A ripe vanillary nose with black cherries, cassis and violets. Good definition. Very elegant and sinewy on the palate with good weight. Very disjointed at the moment but I think everything is balanced and will taste much better after barrel maturation. Very fine. Tasted April 2006.

Good bright ruby. Black cherry, cassis and bitter chocolate on the nose. Tightly wound, leanish and rather austere; a bit medicinal and stunted in the mid-palate. Not bad but I'd like to have seen a bit more sweetness of fruit. Finishes dry, even tough.

Mid crimson with a slightly pale rim. Dusty, autumnal nose. Quite severe and dry with notable acidity. Certainly a lesser Pauillac even if perfectly nicely balanced. A little dry and severe on the finish. (JR)