91+ 2002 Chateau Haut-Bages Liberal (Pauillac) 1/15/16 ($20)
12.5% alc
Color: Very deep garnet. Looks ready with no clearing. (3.5) Bouquet: Dusty cassis fruit with black pepper and subtle cedar. (3.0) Body: Heavyweight with excellent fruit and outstanding tannic structure. Smooth mouthfeel. (3.5) Flavor: Subtle cooking spices complement the cassis fruit with some chalky tannins in the background. (3.0) Finish: Parallels flavor, long and tasty. (3.0)
Overall: Still shows chalky tannins, but the structure and fruit concentration are impressive, particularly at this price (about $50 in recent vintages). A wonderful effort for an off vintage. Drink now and in the next few years as the tannins may outlast the fruit. (16)
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