1981年原本有機會成為波爾多的極佳年份。那年的夏天聽說像畫一樣的美麗，繁花盛開，七月和煦宜人，八月和九月溫暖乾燥、日照充足。然而10月1號到5號，10月9號到15號兩場大雨破壞了原本所有人都看好的空前好年！
我手中的Palmer 81溫柔雅致，不知道是不是三十多年前的幾場大雨，把她該有得多嬌轉為柔弱纖細。Margaux 1981仍是活力不減，黑醋栗和莓果的香氣略帶薄荷，雍容大度！
原來年份對窖藏這件事來說這麼重要，讓人不禁感慨花開堪折直須折，莫待無花空折枝。錯過了最燦爛炫目的時刻，再回首徒留唏噓感慨⋯
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1981 could have been considered the year that started off an unprecedented run of great vintages in Bordeaux. I heard the summer was picture perfect. Flowering was even. July was cool and August along with September were warm, sunny and dry months. The vintage was on target to be great. That all changed when heavy, non stop rain fell between October 1 and October 5 and again from October 9, until October 15.
The Ch. Palmer 1981 was soft and elegant but I wonder whether the rains turned its usual charm into a weak and slim taste. Ch. Margaux 1981 was still vivid and alive, with cassis, berry aroma with some mint. She is composed and dignified.
Live and learn! Vintage is so crucial to cellaring. There is a Chinese says that goes, "if a flower is blooming, you should pluck it before it falls". It's all about timing. If you miss the most bright and brilliant moment, you might sigh with emotion when you look back.
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