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1981 Wine and Port Vintage

Vintage Summary and Recommendations:


1981-wine-gifts

Welcome to Vintage Wine and Port's 1981 wine page. Read on for our summary of the 1981 vintage, our top recommendations and region reports. Scroll down to see all of our wines currently available. If you cannot find what you are looking for please call us on 01425 837177 or Contact Us. We would love to help you with your wine choice!

The 1981 vintage ranged in quality, with many regions producing excellent wines, but few stood out as truly exceptional. In France, Bordeaux, Beaujolais, Loire, Alsace and the Rhône Valley all enjoyed good years but the vintage for Sauternes and Champagne was lackluster and poor for Burgundy. The rest of Europe was also a mixed bag, with Piedmont suffering a particularly bad year while Tuscany excelled. Spain, Germany and Austria all enjoyed good but not great years and both Port and Tokaj produced some nice wines. Any of these wines would make a fabulous 44 year old wine gift for an Anniversary or birthday.


Our Wine Expert currently recommends the following wines for this year:

  • Montepulciano 1981 dAbruzzo Valle dOro Tollo
  • Ryst Dupeyron Armagnac 1981 Reserve Joseph Millesime vintage Armagnac
  • Doliveiras Madeira 1981 Sercial Madeira
  • Chateau Branaire Ducru 1981 St Julien 4th Growth Classification

  •  
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    Bordeaux: 1981 was a very good vintage for Bordeaux wines that was overlooked in favour of the outstanding 1982 Vinatge. Although July was cool, the fruit ripened well through a warm and dry August and September. The harvest began under good conditions in the very last days of September but was hampered by rain in the first two weeks of October, leading to a dilution of the grape juice. Nevertheless, reliable chateaux still managed to fashion some stylish, classic wines, with medium body and good structure.
     
    Italian: The good 1981 Italian vintage produced a large crop of consistent wines. The best examples from Tuscany and Piedmont are now at their peak of their maturity, and will offer a good drinking experience.
     
    Portugal: No vintage port was made in 1981. Our recommendation would be for a 1981 Colheita port from 1981. Kopke are renowned for their colheita and this would make a wonderful gift for a Birthday or Anniversary this year.
     

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    25 products found.

    Ryst Dupeyron Armagnac, 1981

    Ryst Dupeyron Reserve Joseph Millesime vintage Armagnac
    50cl bottle

    Armagnac is a type of brandy produced in the Gascony region of southwestern France and is one of the oldest distilled spirits in the world. All the grapes that went into this Ryst Dupeyron Armagnac were harvested in 1981 and aged for more than 10 years in cask.

    Tasting Notes
    Expect rich, complex aromas and flavours , which can include notes of dried fruits, nuts, spices, vanilla, caramel, and oak. The specific flavours depend on the grape varieties used, the distillation process, and the length of aging.

    Serving & Food Pairing
    Serve at room temperature in a tulip-shaped glass to concentrate the aromas and enjoy it with dark chocolate, rich desserts, or even a fine cigar to complement its flavours.
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    Price: £89.00
    Stock: 6 in Stock

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    Amarone della Valpolicella, 1981

    Montresor

    This wine is made from grapes harvested in various vineyards located on hills in the Valpolicella zone (Mezzane and Tregnago hills). Different sources and different grape varieties are important to obtain well-balanced wines with the fine structure that only a few single areas in the Valpolicella zone can provide. Notes: Color: strong ruby red. Clear and transparent. Bouquet: notes of vanilla and ethereal airs depending on the period of aging in the barrel; notes of sweet fruits such as currants, blueberries, cherries depending on the varieties of grapes. Flavor: wine with a velvety, raisiny character combined with the structure and typical stylish bitterness to give it good balance.
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    Price: £189.00
    Stock: 1 in Stock

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    Amiral de Beychevelle, 1981

    Saint-Julien, 2nd Wine

    Built in 1565, Château Beychevelle has long been celebrated for its exceptional wines. It was recognised as a Fourth Growth estate in the prestigious 1855 Bordeaux classification, and today the team continues to uphold its stellar reputation. This Amiral Beychevelle from the 1981 vintage is their second wine – made with the same care and precision as their grand vin, but from younger vines and with a higher proportion of Merlot in the blend.

    Tasting Notes:
    Deep garnet hue with slight bricking at the rim, indicative of its maturity. Evolved bouquet featuring notes of dried black fruits, cedar, and subtle earthy undertones.
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    Price: £139.00
    Stock: 2 in Stock

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    Barbaresco, 1981

    Corte Staffarda - Riserva Speciale

    Barbaresco is one of the great wines of Italy's north-western Piedmont region. This aristocratic red has its vineyards situated in the Langhe, on the right-hand side of the Tanaro river and extending from the area north-east of Alba to the communes of Barbaresco, Nieve and Treiso. The dominant variety grown is Nebbiolo, but Dolcetto and Barbera also play a part. The vines are generally grown on limestone-rich marl soils. similar to the Tortonium soils of the Barolo and La Morra areas in Barolo. Similar to its more famous sibling Barolo, Barbaresco is made from 100% Nebbiolo and shares its cult status as one of the finest wines in the world.
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    Price: £119.00
    Stock: 3 in Stock

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    Barolo, 1981

    Giordano, Piedmont

    Barolo is known as the 'king of wines' and is made from the Nebbiolo grape. Heady aromas of rose, leather, vanilla, cherry, pepper, cranberry, strawberry. Fruits are perfectly knitted with the tannins and acidity. It's a powerful wine but remarkably subtle. Don't underestimate it and certainly serve it with food to show at it's best. Nebbiolo has naturally high tannins and acidity, so it will take on full-flavoured, rich foods no problem at all.
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    Price: £129.00
    Stock: 8 in Stock

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    Barolo, 1981

    Poderi Scanavino, Piedmont
    Sale | Was £129 | Now £99

    Barolo is known as the 'king of wines' and is made from the Nebbiolo grape. Heady aromas of rose, leather, vanilla, cherry, pepper, cranberry, strawberry. Fruits are perfectly knitted with the tannins and acidity. It's a powerful wine but remarkably subtle. Don't underestimate it and certainly serve it with food to show at it's best. Nebbiolo has naturally high tannins and acidity, so it will take on full-flavoured, rich foods no problem at all.
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    Price: £99.00
    Stock: 5 in Stock

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    Blandys, 1981

    Malmsey Vintage Madeira
    18.5/20 Points - Richard Mayson
    150cl Magnum Bottle in Individual Box
    PLEASE ALLOW 10 DAYS FOR DELIVERY

    A rare vintage Madeira magnum from Blandy's 1981 harvest, offering rich, sweet complexity. Perfect as a special birthday or anniversary gift and a fine wine for collectors and wine enthusiasts alike.

    Tasting Notes:
    This exceptional 1981 Malmsey Madeira from Blandy's displays a deep amber hue with green reflections, crystalline and bright. The nose is exuberant, featuring a characteristic bouquet of exotic wood, toasted confectionery, candied fruits, spices, and subtle smoked notes. On the palate, it is sweet, smooth, and dense, with good concentration and excellent freshness. The experience culminates in a long aftertaste of brandy, spices, and honey.
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    Price: £485.00
    Stock: 2 in Stock

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    Blandys, 1981

    Malmsey Vintage Madeira
    18.5/20 Points - Richard Mayson
    300cl Double Magnum in Individual Box
    PLEASE ALLOW 10 DAYS FOR DELIVERY

    A rare vintage Madeira in a unique, celebratory double magnum bottling from Blandy's 1981 harvest, offering rich, sweet complexity. Perfect as a special birthday or anniversary gift and a fine wine for collectors and wine enthusiasts alike.

    Tasting Notes:
    This exceptional 1981 Malmsey Madeira from Blandy's displays a deep amber hue with green reflections, crystalline and bright. The nose is exuberant, featuring a characteristic bouquet of exotic wood, toasted confectionery, candied fruits, spices, and subtle smoked notes. On the palate, it is sweet, smooth, and dense, with good concentration and excellent freshness.
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    Price: £950.00
    Stock: 3 in Stock

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    Brunello di Montalcino, 1981

    Mastroiani
    Clearance Offer - Last Bottle | Was £149 | Now £95

    Brunello de Montalcino is one of Italys most famous and most expensive red wines. It is produced in the vineyards surrounding the town of Montalcino located about 70 miles (110 km) southwest of Florence in the Tuscany wine region. Brunello, roughly translated as "nice dark one" is the unofficial name of the clone of Sangiovese used in production.
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    Price: £95.00
    Stock: 1 in Stock

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    Brunello di Montalcino, 1981

    Orazio Bagnasco

    Brunello de Montalcino is one of Italys most famous and most expensive red wines. It is produced in the vineyards surrounding the town of Montalcino located about 70 miles (110 km) southwest of Florence in the Tuscany wine region. Brunello, roughly translated as "nice dark one" is the unofficial name of the clone of Sangiovese used in production.
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    Price: £129.00
    Stock: 7 in Stock

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    Brunello di Montalcino, 1981

    Argiano

    Brunello de Montalcino is one of Italys most famous and most expensive red wines. It is produced in the vineyards surrounding the town of Montalcino located about 70 miles (110 km) southwest of Florence in the Tuscany wine region. Brunello, roughly translated as "nice dark one" is the unofficial name of the clone of Sangiovese used in production.
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    Price: £189.00
    Stock: 2 in Stock

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    Chateau Branaire-Ducru, 1981

    St Julien, 4th Growth Classification

    The 1981 Branaire is quite forward, precociously supple, and fruity. The bouquet is showing expansive, complex, chocolatey, cedary components.

    About Chateau Branaire Ducru Château Branaire-Ducru is a renowned wine estate located in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Bordeaux region in France. It is classified as a Fourth Growth (Quatrième Grand Cru Classé) in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, which highlights its longstanding reputation for quality. The estate spans approximately 60 hectares of vineyards, planted mainly with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
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    Price: £119.00
    Stock: 11 in Stock

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    Chateau Clarke, 1981

    Listrac Cru Bourgeois

    The 1981 Chateau Clarke Stoic and firm in character, the nose, with its tobacco, wet earth, spice, cassis and cherry aromatics are the best part of the wine. There is an austerity on the palate that will definitely appeal to lovers of older classic wine.

    Château Clarke is a wine property of Bordeaux of 54 hectares (130 acres) based in the Listrac-Médoc AOC and classified as Cru Bourgeois. The vineyard is made up of Cabernet Sauvignon (48%), Merlot (42%), Cabernet Franc (8%), and Petit Verdot (2%), planted on a limestone ground calcareous eocene and calcareous clay (spacing: 6060 vines/ha).

    About Chateau Clarke Château Clarke,
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    Price: £79.95
    Stock: 1 in Stock

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    Chateau Cos d'Estournel, 1981

    St Estephe, 2nd Growth Classification

    The 1981 Cos d'Estournel is a deep ruby colour, with a spicy, rich, briery, tightly knit bouquet, this wine is deeper and more promising than the 1983, but relatively light, compact, and lean.

    Château Cos d'Estournel is a prestigious wine estate located in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux, France. Established in the early 19th century by Louis-Gaspard d'Estournel, the estate is renowned for its grand architectural style, including the iconic pagodas that distinguish its winery. Covering approximately 100 hectares, the vineyard benefits from a unique terroir of gravel and clay soils, ideal for cultivating Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
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    Price: £129.00
    Stock: 2 in Stock

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    Chateau Croizet Bages, 1981

    Pauillac 5th Growth Classification

    ​Château Croizet-Bages, a fifth-growth estate in Bordeaux's Pauillac appellation, has a history dating back to the 18th century. The 1981 vintage, while not among the most celebrated years in Bordeaux, offers a unique opportunity to experience a mature expression of this estate's wine.​

    Specific tasting notes for the 1981 Château Croizet-Bages are limited, reflecting the vintage's modest reputation. However, given the wine's age, it's likely to exhibit tertiary aromas such as leather, tobacco, and earthy notes, with softened tannins and a harmonious palate. It's important to note that individual bottle conditions can vary, especially with wines of this age.
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    Price: £79.95
    Stock: 12 in Stock

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    Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou, 1981

    St Julien, 2eme Growth Classification

    The 1981 Ducru Beaucailiou has a very intense red; nose of berries, nice claret bouquet; good fruit on the palate, broad; initially quite green - not a great vintage but quite acceptable.

    Château Ducru-Beaucaillou, located in the renowned Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, France, is an iconic estate celebrated for its exceptional wines and illustrious history. Dating back to the 18th century, this historic property has been meticulously tended by generations of the Borie family, who have upheld a tradition of excellence in winemaking. Situated on gravelly soils along the Gironde River,
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    Price: £149.00
    Stock: 1 in Stock

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    Chateau Leoville Poyferre, 1981

    St Julien 2me Growth Classification

    A deep tawny rim with a mahogany core. This has a delightful nose, very good intensity with notes of cooked meats, roasted chestnut, toffee and a touch of marzipan. It smells as if it is from a hot vintage! After five minutes in the glass, it become a little muffled but develops a touch of mint. The palate certainly has more fruit concentration than the 1980, a rounded texture, quite sharp acidity with notes of sour cherry, a touch of leather and a dry, rather gamey, but attenuated finish. Not bad for a 1981.

    Château Léoville Poyferré is a prestigious wine estate located in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, France.
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    Price: £165.00
    Stock: 6 in Stock

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    Chianti, 1981

    Fattoria Pieve a Pitiana

    Chianti, situated in Tuscany in central Italy, is home to probably the best-known and most iconic of all Italian wines. Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are primarily made with Sangiovese grape whereas the Vernaccia grape is the basis of the white Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
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    Price: £69.00
    Stock: 5 in Stock

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    Chianti Classico, 1981

    Pian d'Albola MAGNUM 1.5L

    Tuscan wine (Italian Toscana) is Italian wine from the Tuscany region. Located in central Italy along the Tyrrhenian coast, Tuscany is home to some of the world's most notable wine regions. Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are primarily made with Sangiovese grape whereas the Vernaccia grape is the basis of the white Vernaccia di San Gimignano.

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    Price: £129.00
    Stock: 1 in Stock

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    Dolcetto, 1981

    Bersano
    Clearance Offer - Last Bottle | Was £99 | Now £50

    A native black grape variety of Northern Italy grown almost exclusively in the provinces of Cuneo and Alessandria in Piedmont. It is relatively easy to cultivate, although it is susceptible to fungal diseases. It ripens before Barbera and Nebbiolo and is often grown in high north-facing sites which would be unsuitable for Nebbiolo. The finest Dolcetto wines come from grapes grown on soils rich with white marls, especially those found on the right bank of the River Tauro. The wines generally are low in tannins and acidity and are usually fruity and fragrant, often with hints of almonds.
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    Price: £50.00
    Stock: 1 in Stock

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    D'Oliveiras Madeira, 1981

    Sercial Madeira

    Raisins, plums, walnuts and a hint of prunes in this wonderful Madeira. The scent fills the room as soon as it is open. Pouring it into the glass you notice the crystal clear golden brown color with hints of red. You swirl and smell, noticing the raisins and the walnuts. You take a sip, the flavors of raisins and plums fills the front of your mouth, not too sweet. You swish and swallow, the walnuts taking over in the back of the mouth. The taste lingers…
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    Price: £159.00
    Stock: 13 in Stock

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    Montepulciano, 1981

    d'Abruzzo, Valle d'Oro Tollo
    Sale | Was £89 | Now £45

    Montepulciano is a red wine grape variety grown widely in central Italy, most notably its eastern Abruzzo, Marche and Molise regions. The variety was named after the Tuscan parish of Montepulciano, but, confusingly, is not used in the famous wines produced there (see Vino Nobile di Montepulciano). Globally appreciated for their soft flavors, strong color and gentle tannins, Montepulciano wines are typically best consumed in their youth and with food. The deep-purple juice of Montepulciano grapes is used in varying proportions to produce wines under roughly 50 of Italy's DOC and DOCG titles. Although sometimes used on its own,
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    Price: £46.00
    Stock: 9 in Stock

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    Montepulciano, 1981

    d'Abbruzo, Dragani - Riserva -Double Magnum 3L

    Montepulciano is a red wine grape variety grown widely in central Italy, most notably its eastern Abruzzo, Marche and Molise regions. The variety was named after the Tuscan parish of Montepulciano, but, confusingly, is not used in the famous wines produced there (see Vino Nobile di Montepulciano). Globally appreciated for their soft flavors, strong color and gentle tannins, Montepulciano wines are typically best consumed in their youth and with food. The deep-purple juice of Montepulciano grapes is used in varying proportions to produce wines under roughly 50 of Italy's DOC and DOCG titles. Although sometimes used on its own,
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    Price: £195.00
    Stock: 1 in Stock

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    Nebbiolo D'Alba, 1981

    Ferruccio Nicolello

    The Nebbiolo has a lovely earthy bouquet. The nose has cherries, dark cherries, tar and slight dried rose notes. Complex and layered. Nice acidity. Medium tannins still present. Cherries on the palate too. Nice finish. Great food wine. Nebbiolo is a fickle grape famed as much for its pale appearance as for its tannic character and produces some of the most perfumed and richly flavored wines. Though generally only medium-bodied, the wines possess rose and anise scented aromatics and deep flavors of cherry, orange peel and subtle green herb tones.
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    Price: £79.00
    Stock: 1 in Stock

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    Domaine de Chevalier, 1981

    Graves Pessac-Leogan
    Double Magnum (3L)
    Clearance Offer | Was £595 | Now £475

    Excellent complex nose, medium to high intensity, red bell pepper, roasted vegetables, earth and cherry fruit; a full bodied wine with some minerality, excellent fresh acidity and ripe red fruit. Ready to drink now.

    Château Domaine de Chevalier stands as an iconic wine estate located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation within Bordeaux, France. With origins dating back to the 17th century, the estate boasts a rich history of winemaking excellence. Its 45 hectares of vineyards benefit from a diverse terroir of gravel, clay, and limestone soils, ideally suited for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot for red wines, as well as Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon for whites.
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    Price: £475.00
    Stock: Out of Stock

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