By continuing to browse this site, you consent to the use of cookies as detailed in our Privacy Policy Dismiss

+44 1425 837177

0 Items    

Chateau Haut-Bages Liberal, 2008 Red Wine

Pauillac 5th Growth Classification
New Stock Arriving Shortly - Please allow 7 days for delivery

Bottle size: 75cl

awaiting photo

Price:

£54.95

12 In Stock

  • Free delivery on orders over £100 (UK Standard 3-5 day)
  • Free vintage report, tasting notes and message
  • 3 month replacement guarantee
  • IWC UK Fortified Retailer of the Year 2024
  • 5 Star Customer Service - Trusted Shops (4K+ reviews)

    • Description

    Château Haut-Bages Libéral 2008

    Vintage & Background
    2008 was an excellent year in Bordeaux, with a warm, late-season that allowed grapes to ripen fully even after a somewhat mixed summer. Haut-Bages Libéral took advantage of this, producing a wine with solid structure and good ageing potential. The château is a Fifth Growth (Cinquième Cru Classé) in the Pauillac appellation, with vineyards favouring Cabernet Sauvignon, and it has historically delivered wines that combine power, depth, and Pauillac character.
    Wikipedia
    +2
    Farr Vintners
    +2

    Blend & Style
    The blend for the 2008 vintage is typically around 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Merlot. The wine leans toward Cabernet dominance, giving it firmness, tannin structure, and Pauillac’s classic profile of dark fruit, cedar, and minerality. The ageing includes French oak (some portion new) which contributes subtle oak influence, spice and framing to the fruit.
    Farr Vintners
    +2
    GC Lurton Estates
    +2

    Appearance & Nose
    In the glass, the 2008 Haut-Bages Libéral is deep and rich in colour, with dark ruby tones. On the nose, you’ll find red and black fruits—blackberry, dark cherry—alongside notes of underbrush and earth, cedar, subtle smoke/cedar wood, and hints of tobacco. There is also a freshness in the aromatics that keeps it from being overly heavy.
    Farr Vintners
    +2
    GC Lurton Estates
    +2

    Palate & Texture
    The palate is medium-to-full bodied, with solid tannins that provide backbone. The fruit carries through richly: black fruit and dark cherry, with touches of cassis. Earth and tobacco emerge as supporting characters, together with underbrush and minerality. The oak is noticeable but well integrated rather than overwhelming. The finish is long and structured, showing potential for further development with proper cellaring.
    Farr Vintners
    +2
    K&L Wines
    +2

    Maturity & Drinking Window
    2008 Haut-Bages Libéral is already showing nicely, but it is still in a stage that will benefit from a few more years of bottle age. It has enough structure to develop further tertiary complexity (earth, leather, more integrated oak) while the fruit remains intact. Peak drinking is likely over the next 10-20 years, assuming good storage, though it should drink well now with a little decanting.
    Farr Vintners
    +2
    Best of Wines
    +2

    Food Pairing & Serving Suggestions
    Serve at about 16-18 °C, ideally decanted to allow the wine to open, especially if the bottle has been stored for a long time. Pair with hearty food: roast lamb, beef, game, or dishes with earthy sauces. Grilled steaks, aged cheeses, or even mushroom-based dishes will complement its tannin, fruit, and earthy character nicely.

    Overall Verdict
    Château Haut-Bages Libéral 2008 is a well-built Pauillac with classic character and promising ageing potential. It may not show the polish of the very top First Growths, but for its class it delivers excellent value, character, and longevity. Wine lovers who enjoy Cabernet-driven wines with structure, depth, and the ability to evolve will find plenty to appreciate here.

    Condition

    excellent

    You might also be interested in: