Drinking better than ever, the 1981 has blossomed gorgeously in the bottle. A huge nose of sweet red and black fruits, caramel, smoke, roasted herbs, and olives is followed by a full-bodied, flamboyant wine with gobs of fruit. The color remains a youthful deep ruby with no amber at the edge. Powerful, yet elegant and mouth-filling, this is a sumptuous example of Clos des Papes. Anticipated maturity: now-2004. Last tasted 6/96.