Robert Parker 89+ points
The dark ruby/purple-hued 2008 reveals an angular, austere personality along with medium to full-bodied, deep, concentrated fruit. An unusually backward and highly tannic 2008, it will benefit from 3-4 years of cellaring and should keep for 20 years. It is a very good wine, but it is not pleasant to drink at present.
Wine Spectator 91 Points
This dense red exhibits a tangy damson plum note that leads the way for iron and lilting black tea flavors, all followed by darker charcoal and fig character. There's a nice ying-yang of velvet and iron on the finish. Drink now through 2019. 25,000 cases made. -JM
Stephen Tanzer International Wine Cellar 89 Points
Dark red-ruby. Aromas of cassis, cherry, blueberry, menthol, chocolate and black pepper. Quite dry and uncompromising, with a lightly peppery/herbal element carrying through the wine. No easy sweetness here. Finishes with dusty tannins.
Neal Martin Wine Journal 93 Points
Tasted at the UGC 2008 tasting in London. The Lagrange has a more fruit-driven nose when compared to the Gruaud Larose with notes of blackberry, wild hedgerow, a touch of wet sand and a gourmand element that may become more pronounced with time. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, a very good sense of cohesion and depth with juicy blackberry and boysenberry infused with pencil shavings and cedar towards the long, masculine finish. Lagrange is so consistent at the moment. Impressive. Drink 2013-2030. Tasted October 2010.
