Notes from the Winemaker: 2010 is a great vintage that is distinguished by its very straight and structured style. It is a harmony between power and finesse, with a tone of classicism and silky tannins. Vintage: Overall, the winter of 2010 was cold and dry, thus causing a late start to the vegetation. A warm spring then le d to a fast and uniform bud bursting. The flowering of cabernet sauvignon was also rapid thanks to a perfect weather (hot and dry). However, some rains would cause the sag of the merlot. The berries changed color rapidly but the maturation was slow and steady through the warm days and cool nights. Finally, the grapes were harvested in ideal weather conditions at their optimal maturity. At the approach of the harvest, the level of maturity of the compounds reflected the exceptional weather conditions of 2010. This vintage rises to the level of the great vintages of reference (2000, 20 05 and 2009). The wines are very colorful, powerful, with an excellent balance of acid / alcohol / tannin. The maturity is exceptional, especially as regards the accumulation of tannins, sugars and aromatic freshness. It is a great year with an excellent aging potential Grape Varieties: 75% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot Aging: In oak barrels during 16 months. 40% of new oak Ratings & Reviews 91-94 Points - Stephen Tanzer: "Medium-dark ruby. Fruity, bright aromas of red cherry, red berries and flowers, complicated by cedar and graphite. Then light and lively in the mouth, with strawberry, raspberry and smoky dark cherry flavors complicated by hints of white pepper and gunflint. The finish features a lingering floral note and chewy tannins that will need some time to resolve but seem polished enough to guarantee a bright future. This is an excellent, classically styled Haut-Bages Liberal, just a step below the first growths: I loved its balance, refined texture and sneaky concentration, though it might fail to impress those looking for a large quantity of creamy, soft fruit." - Ian D'Agata (May 2011) 92-93 Points - James Suckling: "A balanced young wine, with smoky, blackberry and chewy aromas and flavors. Full and velvety, with a fresh finish." - (April 20th, 2011) 92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "One of the best efforts from this estate since the 1982, this wine remains fairly priced. It exhibits ripe blue and black fruits, a dense plum/purple color, good acidity buttressing a remarkably rich, fleshy, sumptuous texture, and oodles of smoky black currant and blueberry fruit. Ripe, heady and rich, this wine will probably benefit from 2-5 years of cellaring despite its precociousness and keep for two decades." - Robert M. Parker, Jr. (Feb 2013) 91 Points - Wine Enthusiast Magazine: The wine from this chateau, whose vines touch those of Latour, is solid and dense, with a sense of severity that is often the hallmark of this fifth growth. It is dark and the fruits whisper in the distance. This needs to age for several years." - Roger Voss (2/1/2013) 90 Points - Wine Spectator Magazine: "Dark in profile and rather stolid, with a beam of currant, plum and fig allied to a prominent iron shaft that clamps down on the charcoal-textured finish. Showing rather austerely today, but has the length and cut to develop in the cellar. Best from 2015 through 2025. 8,500 cases made." - JM (Mar 31, 2013)