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Domaine La Chapelle, Haut-Bages Libéral 2018 Pauillac

Domaine La Chapelle, Haut-Bages Libéral 2018 Pauillac

$98.00
About The Winery

Country: France
Region: Bordeaux

"La Chapelle" is the second wine of Château Haut-Bages Libéral, a Fifth Grand Cru Classé located in the heart of Pauillac. The estate is run by the dynamic Claire Villars-Lurton, who has steered the property toward an impressive ecological revival. The wine is certified organic and biodynamic. While the Grand Vin is built for the long haul, "La Chapelle" is crafted from the estate's younger vines to offer an immediate insight into this prestigious terroir. The 2018 vintage was a "solar" year in Bordeaux but the estate’s specific location on limestone subsoils helped preserve the freshness that makes this wine so drinkable.

Terroir: The vineyard enjoys a prime location next to Château Latour and Pichon Baron. The soil is deep Gunzian gravel over a clay-limestone substrate. This limestone is the secret weapon, acting as a water sponge to keep the vines hydrated and fresh during the hot 2018 summer.

Style: An approachable and generous Pauillac. It uses a style dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon for structure and Merlot for roundness, designed to be enjoyed while waiting for the Grand Vin to mature.

Vinification: The estate uses a mix of concrete and stainless steel vats for fermentation. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for about 12 months to soften the tannins without masking the fruit with heavy wood flavors.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: A deep, vibrant garnet red with ruby highlights.

Nose: Open and expressive. It offers a classic Pauillac bouquet of blackcurrant and ripe blackberry, lifted by notes of cedar wood, tobacco leaf, and a distinct touch of graphite.

Palate: Juicy and energetic. The solar vintage provides a core of sweet, ripe fruit, but the limestone terroir ensures a zesty acidity. The tannins are present but fine-grained and polished, making the texture smooth rather than grippy. The finish is savory and fresh, with a lingering note of dark chocolate.

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