Fully mature with notes of sweet black tea, cinnamon, allspice and a candied cherry/currant component, this soft, attractive, spicy wine falls off slightly on the palate. There is a disconnect between the complex aromatics and the moderately endowed palate. Drink the 1981 over the next 5-6 years. - Robert M. Parker, Jr. (30-11-2013)
Notable mint and bay leaf aromas--the signature for this wine in this era. It's nicely balanced, if dry and fading. Avoids being too tannic and offers enough ripe, tart, plum and anise flavors to hold your interest.--'81/'91 California Cabernet retrospective. Drink now. -JL WS
(no tasting note available)