The 1981 is typical in style for Haut-Bages-Liberal: dark ruby, with a big, spicy, smoky, black currant bouquet, rich, abundant flavors, medium body, and a tannic, slightly astringent finish. For the vintage, it is a big, chewy mouthful of wine that offers broad crowd appeal. Anticipated maturity: Now-2000. Last tasted, 9/87.