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Château Haut-Bages Libéral

PIONEER IN REGENERATIVE AGRICULTURE IN PAUILLAC Classified Growth in 1855 in Pauillac
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THE STORY BEGINS IN THE 18TH CENTURY.

The name Haut-Bages refers to the topographical designation of the highest point of the locality of "Bages", historic parcels of land that are among the highest quality in the Pauillac appellation. It was the Libéral family who, at the beginning of the 18th century, added their name to that of the estate. Over time, these fine connoisseurs brought together the best terroirs in the south of the Pauillac appellation and were rewarded in 1855 with the title of Grand Cru Classé. The château then passed from hand to hand until the arrival of Jacques Merlaut in 1982.

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CLAIRE, the 3rd GENERATION OF THE FAMILY OWNER OF CHÂTEAU HAUT-BAGES LIBÉRAL

Jacques Merlaut placed his daughter Bernadette in charge of the technical and commercial management of all his properties with absolute confidence. After her tragic death, Jacques turned to Claire, Bernadette’s eldest daughter. Under her grandfather’s wing, Claire was introduced to the intricacies of Bordeaux wine properties by the best of teachers.

In 2000, Claire devoted herself, with passion and conviction, to give a voice to the great terroir of the Estate.

From 2007, she was aided by 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 had 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.

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AN EXCEPTIONAL TERROIR
ON THE BANKS OF THE GIRONDE

One half of the vineyard of Château Haut-Bages Libéral is located on the historic plateau of Bages (gravelly soil), while the other half directly overlooks the Gironde (limestone hillock). The estuary is a vector of energy, microclimate and biodiversity, and contributes greatly to the exceptional quality of the terroir, as the Médoc saying goes:

"GREAT TERROIRS LOOK TO THE RIVER"

The proximity of water also gives the vineyard a clay-limestone soil typicity that makes it unique. The wines of Château Haut-Bages Libéral thus develop a mineral character that sets them apart.

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"THE LIFE OF THE SOIL IS CRUCIAL. IT IS THE FUTURE OF VITICULTURE"

Claire Villars-Lurton

AGROECOLOGY AND AGROFORESTRY:
SUSTAINABLE VITICULTURE, A CRADLE OF BIODIVERSITY

Since the 2000s, biodiversity has been at the heart of all the viticultural practices at Château Haut-Bages Libéral. The plots are surrounded by hedges and trees of various species (peach trees, apple trees, maples, poplars, dogwoods, elms, etc.) are gradually planted in the heart of the vines. The soils are covered by permanent grassing or by seedlings (rye, mustard, clover, broad beans, lupines, etc.).

These natural elements keep the soil alive, aerated and fertile and promote biodiversity by attracting a multitude of birds, animals, insects and micro-organisms.

TO COMPLETE THESE VIRTUOUS PRACTICES, CHATEAU HAUT-BAGES LIBÉRAL IS ALSO CERTIFIED ORGANIC SINCE 2019 AND BIODYNAMIC SINCE 2021.

Some notions of agroecology...

Agroecology and agroforestry bring together all the agricultural practices for environmentally friendly cultivation, promoting the sustainability and biodiversity of the ecosystem. Natural elements (hedges, trees in the heart of the vineyard, cover crops, etc.) encourage biodiversity in the open air (birds, animals, insects) and biodiversity in the soil (earthworms, fungi, bacteria, etc.). Together they ensure a living soil. Associated with natural elements, this biodiversity is for the vineyard: a protection against drought (evapotranspiration of the trees), and a natural fight against diseases and pests by birds, bats, fungi, insects, etc. Trees and cover crops capture carbon from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. This carbon is returned to the soil, in the form of organic matter, when the plants and their roots are broken down by micro-organisms.

Nutrient distribution: The underground microbial life feeds on organic matter and returns minerals and amino acids (phosphorus, sulphur, potassium, magnesium, calcium) to the soil, making them available to plants.

This assimilation process is facilitated by mychorizal fungi: associated with plants (in symbiosis), they absorb water, nutrients and minerals and then redistribute them to the plants. In exchange they provide the plants with sugars and carbohydrates. The mycelia of mycorrhizae form very extensive interconnected underground networks, allowing plants to explore up to ten times the volume of soil! Hence the importance of not tilling the soil, which would, amoungst others, destroy the networks.

At Haut-Bages Liberal, viticulture relies on a natural and cultivated biodiversity, which guarantees the resilience, sustainability and productivity of the vineyard.

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CHATEAU HAUT-BAGES LIBÉRAL,
A GREAT WINE, LIVELY AND COMMITTED

In perfect symbiosis with its entire ecosystem, this vineyard is the source of brilliant, powerful, lively, saline and mineral wines. Biodynamic and agro-ecological methods allow Château Haut-Bages Libéral to express once again the true nature of its terroir.

THE WINES OF CHÂTEAU HAUT-BAGES LIBÉRAL

Château Haut-Bages Libéral, the iconic Classified Growth, Pauillac appellation, comes from a plot selection and benefits from a long ageing, in new barrels, amphorae and concrete vats. Experienced wine tasters will appreciate its mix of energy and refinement, its aromatic complexity and tannic finesse.

La Chapelle de Haut-Bages Liberal is a seductive, greedy wine accessible to connoisseurs and amateurs alike. Resulting from a second plot selection in the Pauillac appellation, la Chapelle profits from ageing in concrete vats and barrels.

CERES de Haut-Bages Libéral is a modern, airy wine with shiny, crunchy fruit. Resulting from a plot of Merlot managed according to agroforestry practices, this Haut-Médoc is vinified and aged without added sulphites.

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CHÂTEAU
HAUT-BAGES LIBÉRAL
POWER, ENERGY, BALANCE

The great wine Château Haut-Bages Libéral combines energy with refinement. A true "Pauillac in lace". The presence of limestone in the vineyard brings a touch of freshness and minerality to the style of the wine, making it unique within the Pauillac appellation.

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CHÂTEAU HAUT-BAGES LIBÉRAL

THE VINEYARD

30 hectares, Pauillac appellation.

THE SOIL

Gravels of clay and limestone around the property, deep gravels on the plateau of Bages.

GRAPE VARIETIES

  • 70% Cabernet-Sauvignon
  • 30% Merlot

CULTURAL PRACTICES

Organic and biodynamic (Demeter) certified

CHATEAU HAUT-BAGES LIBÉRAL

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THE BLEND

87% Cabernet sauvignon, 13% Merlot

THE AGEING

16 months: 40% in new oak barrels, 40% in barrels of one wine, 20% in ovoid concrete tanks and amphorae

TASTING COMMENTS

The 2022 vintage shows an incredible fruit-driven profile, and a beautiful minerality, reflecting perfectly the ideal terroir where Château Haut-Bages Libéral is located. Elegant and precise.

CRITICAL REVIEWS

James Suckling, 96-97/100
Neal Martin, Vinous, 94-96/100
Georgina Hindle, Decanter, 95/100

SERVING TIPS

To be enjoyed from 2027. Peak of the wine in 2032. 1 to 2 hours decanting time. 16 to 18°C serving temperature

Certifications

  • Lurton Wine produced from DEMETER grapes
TECHNICAL FILE
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TECHNICAL SHEET
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THE BLEND

90% Cabernet sauvignon, 10% Merlot

THE AGEING

16 months: 40% in new oak barrels, 40% in one wine barrels, 20% in TAVA amphorae

TASTING COMMENTS

The wine owns a beautiful balance, velvety tannins and an onctuous body. It is brilliant, powerful, elegant and vibrant. A lot of minerality and salinity and by long and ripe tannins.

CRITICAL REVIEWS

Vinous, Antonio Galloni, 94-96/100
Terre de Vins, 95/100
Colin Hay, the Drinks Business, 92-94+/100

SERVING TIPS

À déguster dès 2026. Apogée du vin en 2031. 1 to 2 hours decanting time. 16 to 18°C serving temperature

Certifications

  • Lurton Wine produced from DEMETER grapes
TECHNICAL SHEET
Lurton

TECHNICAL SHEET
Lurton

THE BLEND

78% Cabernet sauvignon, 22% Merlot

THE AGEING

16 months ageing: 40% in new oak barrels, 40% in one-year old barrels, 20% in amphora TAVA

TASTING COMMENT

A great vintage. The summer was particularly dry and sunny. Haut-Bages Libéral 2020 is a wine made with beautiful freshness, very qualitative tannins and an ageing potential of several decades.

CRITICS REVIEWS

James Suckling, 97/100
Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 96/100
Georgina Hindle, Decanter, 96/100

SERVING TIPS

To be enjoyed from 2025. Peak of the wine in 2030. 1 to 2 hours decanting time. 16 to 18°C serving temperature

Certifications

  • Lurton Wine produced from DEMETER grapes
TECHNICAL SHEET
FOOD PAIRING
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FOOD AND WINE PAIRING

APPLES

Château Haut-Bages Liberal 2020 has a beautiful aromatic strength and its attack is lively and fresh. The sweetness of the apple prolongs the already present length in the mouth and harmonizes the acidic sensation of the cuvée: a harmonious result, which one could obtain on a wine 3 years older!

RECIPE IDEAS

Black pudding with apples.

Apples roasted in red wine with spicy raspberry jelly.

* By our sommelier consultant Claire-Marie Boeri

TECHNICAL SHEET
FOOD PAIRING GUIDE
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THE BLEND

80% Cabernet sauvignon, 20% Merlot

THE AGEING

16 months ageing: 40% in new oak barrels, 40% in one-year old barrels, 20% in amphorae TAVA

TASTING COMMENT

Chateau Haut-Bages Libéral 2019 is a wine of beautiful fullness, with fine but powerful tannins. A mineral, fruity and spicy cuvée, with notes of white pepper, eucalyptus and licorice.

CRITICS REVIEWS

James Suckling, 95-96/100
Bettane et Desseauve, 95-96/100
La Revue du Vin de France, 94-95/10

SERVING TIPS

To be enjoyed from 2024. Peak of the wine in 2031. 1 to 2 hours decanting time. 16 to 18°C serving temperature.

Certifications

  • Lurton
TECHNICAL SHEET
FOOD PAIRING
Lurton

FOOD AND WINE PAIRING

VANILLA

Château Haut-Bages Libéral is mostly aged in French oak barrels. The wood gives the wine a buttery, vanilla and slightly spicy aroma. Here, we wish to honor this breeding thanks to the vanilla, which sublimates the tannic structure of this vintage 2019, and brings a true touch of exoticism.

RECIPE IDEAS

Papillote of summer fruits with vanilla.

Duck breast with vanilla.

* By our sommelier consultant Claire-Marie Boeri

TECHNICAL SHEET
FOOD PAIRING GUIDE
Lurton

THE BLEND

79% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 21% Merlot

THE AGEING

16 months ageing: 40% in new oak barrel, 40% in one-year old barrels, 20% in egg-shaped concrete vats

TASTING COMMENT

Château Haut-Bages Libéral 2018 presents a subtle mix of red fruits, woody notes and truffle on the nose. Attack with a slight sweetness. Unctuous mid-palate, on the power of tannin. The finish is slightly spicy.

CRITICS REVIEWS

James Suckling, 97/100
Michel Bettane, Bettane et Desseauve, 96/100
Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 94+/100

SERVING TIPS

To be enjoyed from 2023 | Peak of the wine in 2030 | 1 to 2 hours decanting time | 16 to 18°C serving temperature.

Certifications

  • Lurton in conversion
TECHNICAL SHEET
FOOD PAIRING
Lurton

FOOD AND WINE PAIRING

OLIVES

The olive has a natural roundness, softening the tannins of Château Haut-Bages Libéral 2018. The fatness it brings counterbalances the acid attack of this young vintage. We find the fresh and greedy aroma of the olive, in the fruit and minerality of the vintage. The fruit explodes in the mouth.

RECIPE IDEAS

Back of cod with tapenade crumble

Chocolate and black olive fondant

* By our sommelier consultant Claire-Marie Boeri

TECHNICAL SHEET
FOOD PAIRING GUIDE
Lurton

THE BLEND

72% Cabernet-sauvignon, 28% Merlot

THE AGEING

16 months of ageing: 40% in new oak barrel, 60% in one-year old barrels.

TASTING COMMENT

With a bright color, Château Haut-Bages Libéral 2017 expresses a fruity and fragrant nose, with aromas of cherry and black currant. A supple and round finish, with a well-integrated freshness.

CRITICS REVIEWS

James Suckling, 94-95/100
Vinbladet, 93-94/100
Wine Spectator, 90-93/100

SERVING TIPS

To be enjoyed from now | Peak of the wine in 2027 | 1 to 2 hours decanting time | 16 to 18°C serving temperature.

Certifications

  • Lurton in conversion
TECHNICAL SHEET
FOOD PAIRING
Lurton

FOOD AND WINE PAIRING

THE TOMATO

Married with tomato, Château Haut-Bages Libéral 2017 gains in sweetness and its roundness is sublimated, throughout its length in the mouth. The tomato, balanced in terms of acidity and sweetness, brings vegetal notes to the dish, which contrast and reveal the red fruits of the vintage. In contact with the freshness of the dish, the wine gains in brightness.

RECIPE IDEAS

Trio of tomatoes in tartar with fresh mint and raspberry vinegar shortbread

Stuffed tomatoes

* By our sommelier consultant Claire-Marie Boeri

TECHNICAL SHEET
FOOD PAIRING GUIDE
Lurton

THE BLEND

70% Cabernet-sauvignon, 30% Merlot

THE AGEING

16 months of ageing: 40% in new oak barrel, 60% in one-year old barrels

TASTING COMMENT

Château Haut-Bages Libéral 2016 shows a precise and sumptuous aromatic bouquet. Aromas of red and black fruits (raspberry, blackcurrant) mingle with a hint of mint. The mouth is unctuous, silky and long.

CRITICS REVIEWS

James Suckling, 94-95/100
Vinbladet, 94-95/100
Wine Enthusiast, 93-95/100

Certifications

  • Lurton in conversion
TECHNICAL SHEET
FOOD PAIRING
Lurton

FOOD AND WINE PAIRING

RASPBERRY

Raspberry flavor can be found in the aromatics of Chateau Haut-Bages Libéral 2016, both on the nose and in the mouth. Tuned, the fruit expresses itself on the palate in a pure way and with great vibrancy. The acidity of the raspberry marries the voluptuous tannins of the cuvée and brings length and elegance to the finish. The unctuousness of the wine contrasts with the granularity of the dish, bringing a beautiful complexity.

RECIPE IDEAS

Duck breast with honey and raspberry vinegar

Chocolate and raspberry pie

* By our sommelier consultant Claire-Marie Boeri

TECHNICAL SHEET
FOOD PAIRING GUIDE

LA CHAPELLE DE HAUT-BAGES LIBÉRAL

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THE SECOND LABEL

La Chapelle, second label of Château Haut-Bages Libéral, expresses the generosity of the great terroir of Pauillac. A harmonious and seductive wine.

Vineyard: 30 hectares, Pauillac appellation.

Soil : gravels of clay and limestone around the property, and deep gravels in the hamlet of Bages.

Grape varieties: 60% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 40% Merlot

THE BLEND

60% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 40% Merlot

THE AGEING

12 months, 60% in barrels (with 20% new oak), 40% in amphoras and ovoid tanks

TASTING COMMENTS

Purple color and violet reflects. Fresh fruits on the nose. On the palate, La Chapelle 2020 is very fruity too, with melted tannins and a good tannin / acidity balance. Nice length and supple finish.

CRITICAL REVIEWS

Decanter, Georgina Hindle, 92/100
Vinous, Antonio Galloni, 90-92/100
Falstaff, Peter Moser, 91/100.

Certifications

  • Lurton
TECHNICAL SHEET
Lurton

THE SECOND LABEL

La Chapelle, second label of Château Haut-Bages Libéral, expresses the generosity of the great terroir of Pauillac. A harmonious and seductive wine.

Vineyard: 30 hectares, Pauillac appellation.

Soil : gravels of clay and limestone around the property, and deep gravels in the hamlet of Bages.

Grape varieties: 60% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 40% Merlot

THE BLEND

50% Cabernet-Sauvignon, 50% Merlot

THE AGEING

12 months, 60% in barrels (with 20% new oak), 40% in amphoras and ovoid tanks

TASTING COMMENTS

A bright vintage. Notes of red fruits, mint, sweet and floral spices. Finely balanced and crispy.

CRITICAL REVIEWS

Vinous, Antonio Galloni, 90/100
Vinous, Neal Martin, 89/100
Inside Bordeaux, Jane Anson, 89/100.

Certifications

  • Lurton
TECHNICAL SHEET

CERES du Château Haut-Bages Libéral

Lurton

CUVÉE WITHOUT ADDED SULFITES

Named after the roman goddess of agriculture and fertility, the cuvée CERES comes from a plot cultivated with agroecology and agroforestry practices. It reflects a philosophy that guides Claire Lurton and her teams in their daily relationship with the land, the vines and the terroir. CERES is part of a global movement and a long-term commitment to winemaking that is both ethical and bold.

CERES IS A LIVING AND MODERN WINE, WHICH PERFECTLY ILLUSTRATES THE REVIVAL OF THE PROPERTY.

Vineyard: 8 hectares of merlot, on a single plot, located on the hamlet of Vertheuil, in Pauillac North.

Soil: clay-limestone

THE GRAPE

100% Merlot

THE AGEING

6 months in concrete vats. No added sulfites.

TASTING COMMENTS

Fruity notes on the nose, such as strawberry or redcurrant, with a mineral touch. Beautifully supple. This vintage seduces with its freshness and minerality, its purity and its fruity aromatic structure.

CRITICAL REVIEWS

La revue du Vin de France, Olivier Poels, 92/100

Certifications

  • Lurton
TECHNICAL SHEET
Lurton

CUVÉE WITHOUT ADDED SULFITES

Named after the roman goddess of agriculture and fertility, the cuvée CERES comes from a plot cultivated with agroecology and agroforestry practices. It reflects a philosophy that guides Claire Lurton and her teams in their daily relationship with the land, the vines and the terroir. CERES is part of a global movement and a long-term commitment to winemaking that is both ethical and bold.

CERES IS A LIVING AND MODERN WINE, WHICH PERFECTLY ILLUSTRATES THE REVIVAL OF THE PROPERTY.

Vineyard: 8 hectares of merlot, on a single plot, located on the hamlet of Vertheuil, in Pauillac North.

THE GRAPE

100% Merlot

THE AGEING

6 months in concrete vats. No added sulfites.

TASTING COMMENTS

Fresh fruit and floral notes, on the nose and on the palate. Supple tannins with a flesh chalky structure and a nice acidity.

CRITICAL REVIEWS

James Suckling, 90/100
La revue du vin de France, 90/100
Yves Beck, 90/100.

Certifications

  • Lurton
TECHNICAL SHEET
BUY CHÂTEAU HAUT-BAGES LIBÉRAL WINES

"A new Pauillac star is arising"

Alexandre Ma

"This is electric personnality and is charged with energy and lift. A wine that seems to capture and express very well the energy and biodiversity of the vineyard."

Colin Hay, The Drinks Business

"A Pauillac I won't soon forget tasting. Haut-Bages Libéral is one of my early favorites on the left bank."

Antonio Galloni, Vinous

"The agronomic revolution accomplished by the property has given great grapes. Its texture and its flavor equal the best of the appellation."

Michel Bettane, Bettane et Desseauve

THE TEAM

Proud to renew the practices of cultivation and vinification on the prestigious terroirs of Pauillac, the team of Château Haut-Bages Libéral is very involved in the rise of this Grand Cru.

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CLAIRE VILLARS-LURTON

Owner
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THOMAS BONTEMPS

Technical Director
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BRUNO FERRAGU

Cellar Master
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JEAN-LUC MOUILLAC

Vineyard Manager
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LUDOVIC LHÉRITIER

Cellar staff
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DAVID ROLO

Tractor Driver and Wine grower
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JEROME PENCHENAT

Tractor Driver and Wine grower
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LUDOVIC LOZANO

Tractor Driver and Wine grower
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THE AGROECOLOGY EXPERIENCE

In the heart of the vineyards overlooking the Gironde, experience Agroecology! This discovery will reveal all the benefits of this ancestral method based on the diversity of the environment. Following this walk in our vineyard, our vegetable garden, the vat room and the cellars, you will taste 3 wines always accompanied by your advisor.

  • 25€
BOOK
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THE MEMORY OF THE CHATEAU

The vintage effect... Abandon yourself in the aromatic palette of our wines through a tasting workshop! You will taste four great vintages of the estate, two of which are over ten years old... Give in to the magic of this discovery in a unique, timeless setting. A magical moment around a great wine for ageing.

  • 45€
BOOK
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OUR MATCHES BY NATURE

In the intimacy of the small private room, imagine a convivial moment, an intimate journey, a gourmet interlude where each wine merges with its dish. An opportunity to discover the art of living on the estate, the balance of a wine, the elegance of a place and the simplicity of a moment. Feel the energy of a peaceful place in the heart of the vineyards and gardens.

  • 65€
BOOK
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THE CERES WALK

Imagine a bike ride through the heart of the vineyards, along the Gironde estuary, in an idyllic setting of greenery and light! Embark on a journey to discover the vineyards and the diversity of our plant cover... A new angle is offered to you. Take a break, contemplate the trees communicating with the vines and the beauty of the Château's terroirs and the heritage of the Pauillac appellation... After this discovery, join us for a commented tasting in the courtyard of the Château.

  • 65€
BOOK
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A MEAL AT THE CHATEAU

Claire Villars-Lurton welcomes you to the Château and its dining room. In this place steeped in history, we invite you to share our love of gastronomy through creative, gourmet, fresh, local and refined cuisine. Like the rhythm of the vine, each dish is a journey towards pleasure, for a memorable experience in the company of our passionate team! Please contact us for your tailor-made events: Lunches, Dinners, Tastings.

From 120€

"A quality and warm welcome, a very complete visit, more than competent guides! A real castle that cultivates French know-how par excellence as well as respect for our ecosystem."

"The visit is a delight! The tasting is just a continuation of the welcome and the visit. We ask for more and we recommend it! "

"If you like to be treated like a distinguished visitor, visit Château Haut-Bages Liberal. A passionate guide, an excellent value for money for the wines offered and a real moment of sharing where you can indulge yourself!""

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