Chateau Lafite Rothschild 1981

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "For an off vintage that is edging close to 40 years of age, this is truly quite nice. Medium bodied, the wine is soft, elegant, fresh and bright. The crisp red fruits shine. The finish is not long, but it feels good and gets you interested in experiencing the earthy, tobacco, lead pencil, red fruit and cedar chest nose. There is no reason to hold this any longer, unless you have a birthday or anniversary to celebrate."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "This wine is close to full maturity, but it is capable of holding for another two decades. It reveals the classic Lafite bouquet of red and black fruits, cedar, fruitcake, and tobacco-like aromas. In the mouth, this medium ruby/garnet-colored wine displays a delicacy of fruit and sweet attack, but subtle, well-defined flavors ranging from tobacco, cigar box, cedar, and fruitcake. This is a savory, soft Lafite-Rothschild that is pleasing to both the intellect and the palate. Anticipated maturity: Now-2018. Last tasted 3/97"

WINE SPECTATOR: "Very firm, lively and intense, with abundant cherry and cedar flavors. Has beautiful balance. Tempting to drink now, but best to wait until about 1995 for the tannins to soften a bit.--Lafite Rothschild vertical."