Elegant and somewhat undersized by La Mission-Haut-Brion standards, but still a beauty and one of the best wines of the vintage, the 1981 still has a deep ruby/purple color and a nose of cassis intermixed with damp earth, mineral, smoke, and some wood. This medium-bodied, relatively elegant La Mission-Haut-Brion is close to full maturity. Anticipated maturity: Now-2012. Last tasted, 9/02.