Occupying some prime real estate in Bages, just south of Pauillac, Château Haut-Bages Libéral’s most immediate neighbour is the famed Château Latour. Claire has a unique understanding of her terroir and the infamous gravelly soil, working in harmony with the land to create complex and concentrated wines that are powerful and age-worthy.
Château Haut-Bages libéral vineyard is 30 hectares, split into two areas; 15ha around the winery itself and 15ha are 1km away in Pichon, bringing diversity of aroma to the wine. The name “Libéral” is from the family that founded the estate with “Bages” translating to the village.
The plantings are predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with roughly 70 % of plantings with the remaining 30% Merlot vines. There are also plantings of Malbec, Carménère, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The wines are outstanding, with concentrated aromas and a perfectly balanced structure.
Château Haut-Bages Libéral is run by owner Claire Lurton who is a third-generation producer.
She runs the winery with her partner Gonzague Lurton who is an established producer himself (Chateau Dufort). The infamous couple went on to own several more successful Chateau’s within Bordeaux and also founded an estate in Sonoma.
Château Haut-Bages Libéral made the transition to Biodynamic in 2008. This period took about 10 years to establish and through many sacrifices and hard work, they were rewarded with a glowing result in the winery. Fragrant, complex and concentrated wines.
Gonzague attended a right-bank tasting of one of the only biodynamic wineries in Bordeaux and was very impressed with the light and fruity style of the wines. Gonzague & Claire decided to apply the same principles to Château Haut-Bages Libéral. The couple also began to already see the impact of global warming and wanted to use more sustainable methods.
The winery and surrounding vineyards use agroforestry to support ecosystems. Fruit, nut and black cotton trees were planted from seed for multifunctional purposes. To attract and feed animals which will then naturally fertilise the land. To attract certain species of birds and bats which feed on aphids and other insects which could otherwise damage the crop. The trees create friable soil, act as windbreaks and encourage pollinating insects. This increases bio organisms which help aerate the soil and encourage cyclical processing to increase soil quality and humus. Which ultimately means better wines can be produced and looks for positive development in the future.
The dedication that Claire and Gonzague have put into the vineyard and winery is evident in their outstanding wines. Their ethos is to prepare the future and to be able to pass on their legacy of Château Haut-Bages Libéral for generations to come.
