1981 Margaux, Margaux (high shoulder)
SKU #1119497
95 points
Wine Spectator
The other wine of the vintage. Seriously powerful with fabulous color and mint, cassis and berry aromas and flavors. Has a full body and is tannic; still needs time to come around. (JS)
(10/1994)
91 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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. It is still very dark ruby/purple-colored. The aromatics suggest ripe cassis fruit, spicy vanillin oakiness, and violets. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, concentrated, tannic, and extremely long. It is just beginning to open and evolve. (RP)
(11/1996)
K&L Notes
"A dusty nose dominated by autumn leaves, black pepper and tobacco, the palate under-ripe but still lively, quite acidic with tertiary notes of dried leaves, forest floor and damp moss, in a similar vein to the Chateau Margaux 1978, which seems to have lasted better. Drink now. Tasted March 2008." - Neil Martin