In 1855 château Haut Bages Libéral was recognised as the fifth cru classé of the Pauillac appellation, finally gaining recognition for its wine and its terroir of deep gravel-based soils and chalky clay. The wine-growing tradition on this estate, however, dates back to the 18th century. More than two centuries later, in 1983, the Villars family took over the estate with its 30 hectare vineyard. The property certainly had all it needed to win over the Villars family and make them fall in love with the wines it produced. An enviable location on the Bages plateau, not far from the Gironde estuary - a considerable asset -- and with land bordering the famous Château Latour. The estate is currently enthusiastically managed by Claire Villars-Lurton in the spirit of innovation, modernity and tradition, to produce a Pauillac that is refreshingly vigorous yet expertly balanced.