Chateau Haut Bages Liberal 2001
So from the get-go, this wine just feels right. The smell is strong, bold even after a half-hour decant. However, in the first hour, the taste hasn’t quiet caught up with the nose. The pencil shavings and cherry core come through with a little bit of nutmeg and tobacco on the nose. The taste however is hard and still very tannic.
Given another hour or so to wake up, and this wine really starts to come alive. Now its singing with fruit and body, and the nose has a rich aged oaky smell, with charcoal and mushroom. The taste, still with a bit of grippy tannins now opens up to reveal a softer under body, rich cherry fruit and a long balanced finish. Not overly long by any means, maybe 25 seconds. Being that I originally picked this up for $25, it seems to be in that sweet spot for a wine that gives you a little more, but doesn’t go over the top.
2001 Haut-Bages Liberal
What I really dig about this wine right is it doesn’t try to overpower you or make you cry uncle cause its got too much alcohol. It weighs in a 12.5 percent which makes it easier to drink and enjoy through the night. It does seem to lack a little bit in the finish, and the rasiny texture tells me the fruit might not hold up too much longer. But as far as classic aged Bordeaux goes, this seems to be a great example at this stage.
Now open for about 3 hrs, its still got some grip, but the softness continues to come through. The mushroom, tobacco, earth, and oak blend really nicely together. I was looking to open something that would both make be contemplate the wine, but also a nice drink throughout the evening. I’m not going to say this is a perfect wine, but it really delivers for me. Price was good, though I guess it runs more like $40 now. The taste (hey there’s actual taste here – rather than just oak, or fruit) provided a number of subtleties that you don’t see from alot of other wines. I really enjoy the taste of terrior here and a definete sense of place. Anyway, I’ve ranted on long enough – overall I’d give this wine a borderline outstanding. While not a mind blowing, with the age on the bottle, and the wonderful characteristics, it was a thoroughly enjoyable wine.
