1971

This could well be the year that marked the start of the digital age when the Microprocessor was invented. We also saw the use of more and more of the transistor technology in use in things like hand held calculators which although are still very expensive over time will drop in price and increase in function to where we are today. It is also the first year North Sea Oil production begins in Norway. One other major change is the change to Deci...

Bordeaux: 1971 was a very good vintage, the only fault of which was being overshadowed by the exceptional 1970 vintage. The size of the 1971 vintage harvest was very small, which made the wines a rarity. Well-stored examples of wine are likely to remain mature for a few more years. Sauternes and Barsac: Sweet wines such as Sauternes and Barsac have been exceptional this year and will last for many decades to come.

ITALY - 1971 has been considered one of the greatest vintages of the 20th century for Italian wine. The excellent growing conditions of 1971 produced a small crop of rich, full-bodied wines that have aged gracefully and will last for many years. In Piedmont, Barolo and Barbaresco are outstanding with a high level of consistency. Barbera d’Alba and Barbera d’Asti were also excellent.
In Tuscany the best results were obtained in Chianti where 1971 was officially classified 5 stars. Many wines have shown exceptional aging qualities. It was also a good vintage for Brunello.

Rhöne vintage report by Jaboulet: In the northernmost part, the harvest began on September 26 and ended on October 8. In December 1970, one meter of snow fell in the Rhône valley (in three bursts), which was exceptional. The highway is blocked. Overall, the winter is long and harsh. Spring is not very good either; flowering is late and there are some bad harvests. Hot days only arrive in July, then summer is hot and dry. The weather is good for the harvest.

The 1971 vintage produced an average harvest of well-balanced, good and pleasant wines. At HERMITAGE, the reds are very good. It’s not a vintage that gets talked about much, which is a shame because it deserves TWO STARS. The total harvest of Côtes du Rhône wines is 1,348,190 Hl.

Champagne vintage report by Salon: Vegetation experienced rapid emergence, although spring frosts (between April 27 and 29) affected 1,000 hectares. The hailstorm of May 27 alone destroyed 650 hectares. Cold weather set in in June, with flowering in very poor weather conditions, extending from June to early July. Exceptional weather in July, but hail and windy weather from July 27 to August 18 completely wiped out 2,650 hectares. Major erosion problems. The harvest began on September 18. Good quality.

BURGUNDY / Small crop of firmly structured wines of good quality.  The cold, hail and rain of spring caused flowering to be late and uneven. In the Côte de Beaune a localized attack of hail reduced the crop to half its normal size. September was very hot and dry, making the vintage. On release the 1971s were tight and reserved, not showing much charm. After about a decade the tannins had softened and they began to open up and reveal fine aromas — these are rich and intense whites with some toffee tones from the ultra-ripe fruit, and reds of class.