1981 Magdelaine, St-Emilion

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 1981 Magdelaine, St-Emilion. Wine Advocate: "Deep garnet core with dark brick rim. A stupendous nose: briary, earth with a hint of mint chocolates. Very fresh and defined. The palate does not quite match the nose but is remarkably fresh with a certain "cool" character deriving from the fresh, almost citrus acidity and great definition. Quite tannic, the texture is more akin to a Left Bank wine. Moderate concentration. Some dryness on the finish. Otherwise a superb claret that is perfect as an accompaniment to food. Then at Paul Rhodes tasting in Oct-04: a sweet, earthy nose this time with more plum. Quite fragrant and pretty with good definition. The palate has good acidity, rounded and svelte with notes of pain grille and a touch of liquorice. Firm tannins with just some astringency showing on the finish. (NM)" (12/1999)