2005 Château Haut-Bages Libéral, France, Pauillac, Wine Review

This wine is almost always a great value in classified growth Bordeaux.  Ruby in color with purple swirls, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is great if you don't mind some funk.  Aromas of cassis, funk, leather, spice, slight citrus and char.  Full bodied.  Firm tannins.  On the palate, flavors of black cherries, cassis with underlying forest floor.  Slight bitter note on the finish.  This wine is another example of how slowly Bordeaux matures in many great vintages (2000, 2005, 2010).  At age 20, it is not yet at peak and needs more cellaring or a few hours of air prior to serving.  Drink over the next ten to fifteen years.  This would be a nice choice for Meatloaf or a Steak.