High-Bages Liberal
A name steeped in history
The name of theChâteau Haut-Bages LibéralIts origins lie in the topographical situation of the estate on the one hand, and of the castle's first owners on the other. Indeed, thisCru Bourgeoisis located on the heights of the locality knownBages, a plateau south of the appellationPauillacNext, the second part of the name -Liberal- is the surname of the family that owned the Château from the 18th century onwards. This family of brokers, who managed to bring together the best terroirs of Pauillac, is therefore at the origin of the estate's vineyard. The reign ofLiberalIt ended shortly after the estate was awarded the title of 5th Growth in 1855. Subsequently, in the first half of the 20th century, the Château experienced some misfortunes. Affected by disease, then a victim of the economic crisis and the world wars, the vineyard was almost decimated. It was only in the 1960s, thanks to theCruse familythat the castle found a new lease of life.
Claire Villars-Lurton
The feminine touch
Following the extensive vineyard replanting programCruse, the familyVillars-Merlautbecame the owner in 1982. They will complete the restoration of theChâteau Haut-Bages Libéralits former prestige. This is particularly trueBernadette Villars-Merlautwho worked to improve the estate and its infrastructure. Following his sudden death in 1992, his daughterClaire Villars-Lurtonjoined his grandfatherJacques Merlautand takes up the torch. This strong-willed woman, whose energy and determination are renowned for their unwavering commitment, is the current owner. Originally unsuited to managing a vineyard, she is now 100% dedicated to running the family estate. Since her arrival, significant technical improvements have been made to theChâteau Haut-Bages LibéralThe result is wines that have matured, as if marked with a touch of feminine elegance.
The wines of Haut-Bages Libéral
From earth to glass
Three wines are currently produced at Château Haut-Bages Libéral: the eponymous grand vinChâteau Haut-Bages Libéral, THESecond wine La Chapelle de Haut-Bages Libéral, AndCeres de Haut-Bages Liberal, a vintage without added sulfur, born from an agroecological approach. Since2006The property has committed topioneering work in agroforestry, gradually integrating hedges, fruit trees and cover crops into the heart of the vineyards. These practices are nowat the heart of the wine strategyalongside theorganic and biodynamic farming, to which the estate is entirely converted. The vineyard, largely contiguous, isadjacent to prestigious wines like Château Latour, reinforcing its legitimacy among the best terroirs of Pauillac. What particularly distinguishes Haut-Bages Libéral isthe 15 hectares of clay-limestone soils located around the castle, a type of soil that is rare in the appellation, which gives the winesa saline tension, a mineral structure and exceptional freshnessThis unique identity is found in each vintage, which combines finesse, precision and character, making theChâteau Haut-Bages Libérala wine sought after by both connoisseurs and discerning amateurs.
