In weight and texture, the 1981 Margaux is closest in style to the 1979. It is an outstanding wine, even in the company of the monumental wines of 1982, 1983, and 1986, although it does not have the power and weight of these vintages.... Read More
Polished, big, dark-colored, with rich and opulent aromas and flavors and loads of tobacco, cedary and berry character. Drinkable now.--The Bordeaux 50. -JS WS
No doubt this vintage of La Mission-Haut-Brion was probably overlooked once the highly publicized 1982 vintage was conceived, but this wine has always been, in my opinion, one of the stars of the vintage. It showed extremely well... Read More
Wonderfully rich and still holding back. Beautiful plum, toasted oak, berry and tobacco character. Firm with a full body. Drinkable now; better with time.--The Bordeaux 50. -JS WS
The 1981 is certainly an outstanding Yquem, but it will not be considered one of this property's greatest efforts. Light golden, with a moderately intense bouquet of spicy, vanillin oak, fresh melons, and tropical fruit, this... Read More