1981 - Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Pauillac

The 1981 Pichon-Lalande was served with the 1982 and 1983 by estate director Nicolas Glumineau. I must confess that I was shocked how well it showed, far surpassing the example shown at a vertical a few months earlier. This has a lovely bouquet of black fruit, autumn leaves, cedar and bay leaf, clearly bestowed with more vigor than previous bottles. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, leather and sage-infused fruit, like before. A melted finish indicates that this '81 will never get better. But it is delicious and in no way embarrassed by the 1982. Tasted at the château.