The Liberal family ruled the estate from the beginning of the 18th century. Brokers from father to son, they sold most of the harvest to the Netherlands and Belgium. Their name, coupled with the topographical designation, earned them a long invitation to the round tables of the political parties of the same name throughout the world. Over the years, these fine connoisseurs have brought together the best terroirs of Pauillac. This is how this fifth Cru Classé in 1855 now has half of its vineyard next to that of Château Latour and the other half behind Château Pichon Baron, located on the heights of the place called "Bages", a large plateau to the south of Pauillac. This superb vineyard was to be revived when, in 1960, the Cruse family, then owners of Château Pontet-Canet, also the fifth Cru Classé in Pauillac, bought the property. The Cruses launched a vast programme to replant the vines. However, it was not until the arrival of the Villars family in 1983 that Château Haut-Bages Libéral really regained its former glory. Today the estate is managed by Claire Villars. She has undertaken a complete overhaul of the winemaking equipment and has adopted a new approach to the environment.