Château Haut-Bages Libéral is one of Pauillac’s most compelling overachievers — a Fifth Growth with First Growth neighbours in Château Latour and Pichon Baron. Under the thoughtful stewardship of Claire Villars-Lurton, the estate has undergone a quiet transformation, embracing organic and biodynamic farming long before it became fashionable. With a focus on soil regeneration and vineyard health, the wines now show a new level of finesse and energy, combining classic Pauillac structure with a sense of vitality that speaks to the work beneath the surface.