2008 Ch. Lagrange, St. Julien

St Julien performed pretty well in the difficult conditions of 2008 and Ch. Lagrange held its own among the big names of the appellation. Along with 26% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, 72% Cabernet Sauvignon was used in the blend in 2008, the highest proportion since 2000 and a further indicator of the ripeness that was achieved towards the end of this vintage. There is a juicyness to this wine that is immediately very attractive but there is also depth which, allied to a mineral complexity, adds class and sophistication.

Crimson. Sweet and aromatic on the nose. Very flattering. Fine tannins and lots of flesh without being specious. A bit forward but attractive in the short term.
(Jancis Robinson MW - jancisrobinson.com - Apr 09)

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.
(Robert Parker- Wine Advocate- May 2011)

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. 5-8 years of patience will be required, and the 2008 Lagrange should last for 25 years.
(Robert Parker- Wine Advocate - Apr 09)