I reckon this is something of a hidden gem.  It's made by Chateau Haut-Bages Liberal, a 5th growth Chateau in Pauillac, though the fruit for this comes from younger vines and some vines that sit outside the Pauillac boundary. The intention here is to produce a more accessible expression of the Chateau style which is intended for earlier drinking.  Haut-Bages Liberal is more about elegance and purity than its geographical neighbours (Lynch Bages, Pichon Baron & Latour) and that philosophy continues here.

2016 was an excellent vintage, especially for the Cabernet-dominant wines such as this and this is now drinking beautifully. It's 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot and was made at a time when the property was in conversion to organic viticulture. After a fermentation in stainless steel the wine was aged in oak for 12 months. What results is elegant and balanced with gentle cassis fruit, light oak influence and a beautiful hint of spice - in many respects classic Bordeaux that's perfect for current drinking. It's excellent value as well when you consider Pauillac prices.  What you have here is the same care and attention to detail that Haut-Bages Liberal give to all their wines, but because the fruit comes from just outside the Pauillac commune it's a beautifully mature claret at a very approachable price.

As you might expect from a wine of this age there is small sediment in this. Either decant, or be careful pouring the final half glass.