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Haut-Bages Libéral 2020 En Primeur: “unique character”

  • The wine is being offered for £311 (12×75) SEP.
  • “A powerhouse in its first impression,” says Antonio Galloni.
  • The 2015 stands out as a Fair Value option.

Haut Bages Liberal

The 2020 Château Haut-Bages Libéral has been released for €26.4 per bottle ex-négociant, up 15.8% on the 2019 release.

The international trade is offering the wine for £311 per 12×75, 9% more than the current Market Price of the 2019.

The 2015 also looks compelling, with the highest Benchmark Critic score and available for under £300 a case. See more Fair Value analysis below.

Critical opinion

The Benchmark Critic, Neal Martin (Vinous) has not tasted this or last year’s release yet.

Antonio Galloni, however, observed that “time in the glass brings out very pretty floral notes that add finesse and considerable aromatic presence”. He awarded it a barrel range of 93-95 points.

James Suckling was complimentary of its “unique character” and gave it 95-96 points. “Old merlot vines showing through,” he said.

The wine also has 91-points from Jane Anson (Decanter) and 93-95 from Falstaff.

Fair Value

With no score from Neal Martin yet, followers of Suckling will find value in today’s release.

An attractive in-bottle alternative is the 2015 vintage, which boasts 93-points from Martin and is currently available for 13.8% less than today’s release.

The 2018 with 92-points from Martin also costs 6.8% less.

Other releases

The 2020 Château Ferriere was also released this morning for €27.6 per bottle ex-négociant, up 15% on the 2019 release. The international trade is offering the wine for £317 per 12×75 case.

Our Bordeaux En Primeur 2020 page contains everything you need to know about this year’s campaign. You can also sign up for our daily En Primeur email alerts using the form below.