Château Haut-Bages Libéral 2012 – Pauillac 5ème Grand Cru Classé

The wine needs to be decanted. Crunchy blackcurrant, morello cherry and slightly blueberry notes are combined with touches of racy/seedy minerality, fine liquorice/zan, discreet cardamom and an imperceptible hint of clove, fresh vanilla and almost black truffle. The palate is fresh, mineral, balanced and offers a good definition, an acidic backbone, a nice racy minerality, some concentration, accuracy and dynamism. On the palate this wine expresses notes of pulpy/juicy blackberry, crunchy blackcurrant and more slightly pulpy/fleshy redcurrant combined with hints of blueberry, chocolate, caramelisation, toasted/caramelised hazelnut as well as a subtle hint of almost saffron and truffle. A fine chewiness on the finish. Smooth tannins. Good length.