Pichon Lalande 1971

The 1971 Pichon-Lalande is a vintage that I have drunk several times over the years, including two or three ex-château bottles like this. This is superior to previous ones that I have encountered with remnants of dusty black fruit on the nose, a little herbaceous but showing decent vigour. The palate is loose-knit with coarse tannins, though there is more substance than previous bottles. Rough around the edges with potent graphite notes on the slightly austere finish, it does seem cohesive and manages to gain weight and grip in the glass. Fine, but I would not leave it too long. Tasted at the "Difficult Vintage" vertical at the château. (Drink between 2022-2026)