Château Haut-Bages Libéral

It may be assumed that the name of this growth derives from that of Bages (where part of the vines are located) and from that of the first known owners, the Libéral family. This important family of Bordeaux brokers owned the estate between the mid-18th century and the end of the 19th. They then sold a large part of their harvest to the Netherlands and Belgium; they are even said to have put their name to good use to sell wine to the liberal parties of those two countries. Towards the end of the 19th century, the property was sold to Monsieur Solinhiac, who resold it shortly afterwards to the Desse family, whose fortune came from steel. The Cruse family then took its turn as buyer, in 1960. And finally the Villars Merlaut family became its owner in 1982.
Located in the south of the commune of Pauillac, the château Haut-Bages Libéral vineyard extends over 30 hectares divided into 2 main parts: one around the château overlooking the Gironde, neighbouring the château Latour vineyard, the other on the Bages plateau, adjoining the vines of Pichon Longueville.
In 2001, the property benefited from major investment that allowed a complete overhaul of its working facilities. Thanks to this skilful blend of modern equipment, a viticulture converted to biodynamics and great viticultural know-how, château Haut Bages Libéral still proudly bears the title of Cinquième Cru Classé acquired in 1855. This superb, predominantly limestone terroir gives wines with minerality and silky tannins.