1981

 Many notable technological advances occurred in 1981, one of the most exciting was the first flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia. It was also the first year that Word Internet was mentioned and MS-DOS was released by Microsoft with the first IBM PC. On the world stage, events that captured the imagination included the marriage of Lady Diana Spencer to Charles the Prince of Wales. In politics, a little-known group before Solidarnosc inspires popular protests and a general strike in Poland and the government in the United Kingdom begins the process of privatizing nationalized industries which is then followed by many other countries around the world.

Bordeaux 1981 /The small but high quality vintage of 1981 was overshadowed by the superb 1982. Hot, dry weather began from flowering and continued until September, when occasional rains occurred until until the harvest is completed in good conditions at the beginning of October. Generally speaking, the reds produced were elegant, moderately light and delicate wines in all appellations. The dry whites were of average quality and Sauternes was actually better than the following year 1982. Although this year is often considered modest, some good wines emerged. These include Margaux and Cheval Blanc.

The Bordeaux 1981 wine vintage received mixed reviews from the wine press and critics. It was a year characterized by variable weather conditions and uneven ripening, leading to wines of varying quality across different appellations and producers. 

1. Variable Quality: One of the prevailing themes in reviews of Bordeaux 1981 was the highly variable quality of the wines. Some estates and appellations managed to produce wines of charm and balance, while others struggled with underripe grapes and less favorable conditions.

2. Tannic Structure: Many Bordeaux 1981 wines were noted for their tannic structure. The tannins were sometimes described as firm or astringent, suggesting that some wines would require extended aging to soften and develop complexity.

3. Early Drinking: While some Bordeaux 1981 wines were considered suitable for aging, others were recommended for earlier consumption. Critics often pointed out that certain wines were more approachable and enjoyable in their youth, with fruit-forward profiles.

4. Elegance and Finesse: Despite the challenges of the vintage, some Bordeaux 1981 wines were praised for their elegance and finesse. These wines were often seen as examples of the winemaker's skill in a challenging year.

5. Right Bank vs. Left Bank: There were distinctions between the wines of the Right Bank (Saint-Émilion and Pomerol) and the Left Bank (Medoc, Pauillac, etc.). Generally, the Right Bank wines were regarded as having performed better in 1981, with more consistent ripeness and structure.

6. Notable Producers: Certain Bordeaux estates and producers were highlighted for their success in the vintage. These wines were often considered benchmarks for Bordeaux 1981.

7. Aging Potential: While some Bordeaux 1981 wines were viewed as having the potential to age gracefully and improve with time, others were seen as wines best consumed in their prime to capture their youthful fruitfulness.

8. Overall Assessment: The general consensus was that Bordeaux 1981 was not a standout vintage on par with some of the region's legendary years. However, it was also not a uniformly poor vintage; there were good wines to be found for those who selected carefully.

Champagne:  Challenging weather conditions left a small harvest and kept the producers in suspense up until the final moments. The final result was a good but very scarce vintage.

    The mild spring woke up the vines from their winter sleep early, and vegetal growth began early in the spring. Unfortunately, heavy night frosts came in April and damaged the young sprouts. The situation only got worse when in May hailstorms damaged the vineyards. After this, the weather stayed cold, and the vines did not flower until July. In general, Chardonnay succeeded better than the red varieties in the flowering phase. August and September brought belief back to the producers, when the weather turned hot and sunny. Grapes matured in record speed, and it was possible to do the harvest right before the late September rains. As a result of previous lean harvest years, producers confirmed the sufficiency of non-vintage blends, and a large part of this vintage’s wines ended up as blend wines.

Thankfully, some of the producers also produced vintage champagnes. The have generally proven to be balanced and even excellent. The wines still have posture, elegance and concentration, even though the wines do not improve further in the cellar. The best experiences this year have been produced by Krug, whose blend exceptionally is half Chardonnay. For friends of Pinot Noir, the best win

1981 marked one of the earliest harvests in Napa Valley history.

California, known for its diverse wine regions and varietals, has a history of producing wines that have gained global recognition. The 1981 vintage in California is remembered as a year that produced wines of notable quality, characterized by their richness and complexity.

The weather conditions in California during the 1981 growing season played a significant role in shaping the character of the vintage. The year began with a cool and wet winter, followed by a mild spring. Summer brought warm and dry weather, allowing the grapes to ripen gradually and evenly. The harvest took place under clear skies, with grapes reaching optimal ripeness.

California Reds 1981: The red wines of California from the 1981 vintage are known for their richness, depth, and aging potential.

Appearance: The 1981 California reds typically exhibit a deep garnet-red color with signs of aging that reflect their considerable time in bottle.

Nose: On the nose, the 1981 California reds offer a complex bouquet with aromas of blackberries, dark cherries, cedar, tobacco, and subtle hints of vanilla and spices. The aromatic profile is lush and enticing.

Palate: In the mouth, the 1981 California reds are marked by their full body and structured tannins. The wines have a velvety and opulent texture. Flavors of ripe blackberries, cassis, plum, and nuances of chocolate and oak intermingle harmoniously, creating a rich and enduring finish. These wines are beautifully balanced and showcase the character of California's terroir and winemaking expertise.

California Whites 1981: The white wines of California from the 1981 vintage also display notable qualities. Chardonnay, in particular, thrived during this year, producing wines with richness and complexity. These whites often have a golden color and offer aromas of ripe orchard fruits, citrus, and subtle oak-driven notes.

Overall Impressions: The California 1981 vintage is celebrated for the quality and richness of its wines, particularly the reds. While it may not be considered one of the greatest vintages in California's history, it stands out for producing wines of notable quality and aging potential. These wines have aged gracefully and continue to captivate wine enthusiasts with their complexity and character. 

The California 1981 wine vintage received generally positive reviews from the press and wine critics. While it may not have been hailed as one of the greatest vintages in California's history, it was recognized for producing wines of notable quality and character. Here are some sentiments and observations that the press had about the California 1981 vintage:

1. Richness and Complexity: Critics often noted the richness and complexity of the California 1981 wines, particularly the reds. Many wines were praised for their depth of flavor and the intricate layers of aromas and tastes they offered.

2. Fruit Concentration: The vintage was acknowledged for its excellent fruit concentration, with ripe and well-developed flavors. Wines frequently showcased the ripe fruit profiles that California is known for.

3. Structure and Aging Potential: The red wines, in particular, were recognized for their structure and aging potential. Critics noted that these wines had the tannins and acidity necessary to age gracefully over time, making them appealing to collectors.

4. Varietal Expression: Different grape varieties thrived during the vintage. For instance, Chardonnay was highlighted for producing rich and complex white wines, while Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot were praised for their robust and age-worthy reds.

5. Balanced Winemaking: Winemakers were commended for their balanced approach to winemaking in 1981, resulting in wines that were not overly manipulated but allowed the terroir and grape characteristics to shine.

6. Notable Producers: Several California wineries and producers received accolades for their wines from the 1981 vintage. These wines were often considered benchmarks for the vintage.

7. Overall Quality: While it may not have reached the heights of some legendary vintages, the California 1981 vintage was generally seen as a successful and noteworthy year that offered a wide range of high-quality wines.

1981 Vintage by Chateau Palmer:

Flowering was even thanks to ideal weather conditions and although July was cold and wet, the good weather then set in and continued until harvest time, bringing everyone to believe that it would be an excellent vintage. Unfortunately, the picking was interrupted by two periods of rain which resulted in some dilution. 1981 was a very good vintage, if not excellent. The wines are often described as "classic", having good color, good balance and medium body.