The rather overt oak often found in this cuvee seems to have been considerably tamed in the 2008. It is more charming, displaying a plush texture along with sweet cassis and black cherry fruit intertwined with intriguing notes of Christmas fruitcake, spice box, and herbs. There is plenty of sweet tannin in this medium-bodied effort, but unlike the tannins in the right bank wines, the tannins in most of the northern Medocs are more prominent, largely because these wines possess high percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon. Five to eight years of patience will be required, and the 2008 Lagrange should last for 25 years. Tasted: April 2009; Rating: 90-92 Points; Robert Parker; Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate

Subtle and perfumed, with currant and cassis. Full and chewy, with a solid core of fruit and tannins. Long and caressing. Very well done for the vintage. Rating: 88-91 Points; James Suckling, Wine Spectator 2009