1961 Haut Bages Pauillac

1961 Haut Bages Pauillac

ADOLESCENCE
Another 61 that took my audiences into an abyss of unknown territory, obviously served blind. Guesses were all over the place, closest answers I got was a Margaux wine in the 70s.
Nose of feminine character, Margaux would be a good guess. Content was high in acidity, the fruits matured a bit more since I had the last bottle a couple of years ago. Definitely an atypical Pauillac style, fruits were matured and forward yet laid back as if time has paused indefinitely. Fun tasting!

24 Nov 2015
HAUT BAGES LIBERAL? I have quite a few of this bottle of 1961 Haut Bages, but not sure if this was the same as the fifth growth Haut Bages Liberal. 61 was a fantastic Bordeaux vintage, and Pauillac was especially fantastic. My best bottle came from Mouton Baronne Philippe 61, obviously a Pauillac and this bottle was not far away in terms of standard. Nose of powerful pencil lead shaving, cigar box. Initially with elevated acidity, but with air and food, mellowed down. Followed by lush and opulence.

19 Mar 2015
FIFTH GROWTH ROCKS AGAIN!...
This label was probably the now disappointing Haut Bages Liberal, 5th growth, from Pauillac. But I wanted to see how it fared 55 years ago comparing to all my favorite 5th growth I have drank before; Mouton Baronne Philippe, Grand Puy Lacoste... Oh it rocks! Nose with extremely intense mushroom and leather, thick like a basalmic reduction. The palette was very rich, everything you wanted from a Pauillac. There's no need first growth to entertain me! :)