Palate
The wines are medium-bodied: a good vintage, often described as «classic». When tasting, the palate is tender with round tannins whilst the finish is greedy, complex and warm.
Growing Conditions
Cat and mouse. The game played by the weather in 1981: a cold and wet July followed by dry and hot conditions, with occasional showers during the harvest. The vintage ended up slightly diluted perhaps, but prettily balanced.
1981 is Château Palmer’s sensual vintage. The year began with a real winter. February was very beautiful but cold. In March, the weather was milder allowing buds to appear on March 26th. Temperatures over the first three weeks of April were above normal for the season and the vines grew quickly. In June, the weather was lovely, providing ideal conditions for flowering. The flowers were in full bloom on June 12th. July was mediocre but as from 25th, the weather became hot and dry and it lasted until September 20th. The véraison followed on in perfect conditions. Two rainy periods (September 26th and 27th and October 1st to October 3rd) thwarted full ripening, diluting the vintage somewhat.
Harvest
Harvesting began on October 1st and we hurried to pick the grapes.
Appearance
Well-balanced and perfectly colored.
