drink now
A very good vintage inspite of rain
Weather Conditions
The weather conditions in 1981 resulted in the production of rather lean wines. Spring was unremarkable, but the flowering was successful, despite a lack of sunshine. Early summer was, again, rather cold and wet, although conditions improved in August, which was dry and sunny, and continued
through until late September, when heavy rains fell, bringing the harvest to a temporary halt.
Whites (sweet): The warm conditions from August onwards pushed sugar levels up, and the botrytis was well developed.
Best Appellations
The wines from this vintage were rapidly overshadowed by those of 1982 but nevertheless were attractive and classically built, though destined for relatively early drinking. St Julien and Pauillac both did well.
Best Producers
(Pauillac) Lafite, Latour, Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. (St Julien) Ducru-Beaucaillou, Gruaud-Larose, Leoville- Las-Cases (Margaux) Giscours, Margaux.
