90+ 2002 Chateau Haut-Bages Liberal (Pauillac) 4/10/10 ($25)
12.5% alc
Color: Very deep garnet. Dense with no clearing. (3.5) Bouquet: Flowery cassis with Pauillac earthiness and smooth, but forceful tannins underneath. (3.5) Body: Light heavyweight with excellent acidity and tannin. Could use more fruit, but powerful and concentrated. Needs time, yet silky in the mouth already. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but cassis fruit is in the background with lots of black peppery tannins upfront. (2.5) Finish: Herbal complexity and smooth, but dry tannins linger. The fruit is there, but somewhat submerged. (2.5)
Overall: This has big and brooding tannic structure, but still shows balance, concentration and a silky mouthfeel. Impressive for the vintage, but requires some patience (3-5 years). If drinking now decant for a couple of hours and serve with red meat. (15.0)
Copyright © 2006 - 2010, Paul DeRose , WineOutpost.com