Alongside its next-door neighbour, Latour, this, to me, is the wine of the vintage in the Medoc. It is an incredibly consistent performer and always an unlikely crowd pleaser, still loaded with sweet cherry red fruit. It’s more elegant in style than other vintages although you feel the sunshine in the wine which gives it weight. Archetypal Pauillac in character: cedar, cigar box leading to a wonderful finish. I adore how charming this wine is without being overbearing. At its peak now but will certainly hang on for a while. Gareth Birchley, February 2023.

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.

This has always been one of the sexiest, most delicious wines from the 1981 vintage. It still possesses a dark ruby/purple color. While the 1981 is less powerful than the 1982 and 1983, it reveals copious quantities of sweet black currant fruit, good flesh for the vintage, and a pure, nicely-textured and balanced style. This wine remains vibrant and youthful. Anticipated maturity: Now-2002. Last tasted 6/97