Hi everyone- Looking to track down a 1971 something for a good friend’s 50th.
From a quick look at some vintage charts, seems like Piedmont + Germany are the most obvious candidates, and there’s a lot of mid-priced '71 Barolo out there on the market, but wondering what other regions might be worth considering?
Friend in question mostly likes Rioja + Bordeaux, but those are perhaps…not the best regions for 1971?
Anything up to $350 or so is fine. Either red or white is fine. Definite preference for dry wines, unless there’s some kind of once-in-a-lifetime dessert wine option.
Any chance a '71 Huet sec would still be alive?
Thanks to everyone, sincerely, for your time + your input.
Huet ‘71s are in their adolescence if the bottles were stored well and the seal good. It is the best Huet vintage of the ‘70s. And the best IMO between ‘59 and ‘89. I recommend looking for the Demi-secs though.
There have been a number of threads discussing good ‘71s.
I’ve done business with Mauro for years, completely reliable, and top quality wines. Shipping from Italy isn’t cheap, but his prices make it worth it imo. Good luck.
Lovely right bank Bordeaux vintage but also some delicious (Palmer) Medoc options. Petrus is a stunner although it will also stun the pocket book. Cheval Blanc and Figeac both excellent options. Sauternes can be splendid.
There are plenty of excellent red Burgundies.
I had a Freemark Abbey Cabernet Bosche last week that was into gentle decline but still very much worth drinking.
For an outlier, Penfolds Grange is amazing - as in, I had it alongside 71 Petrus and the Grange was better.
I’ve had great luck with obscure German producers, mostly sweet side, from '71. Also Rieussec and Coutet are drinking great. Had a bunch recently. Some the '71 Napa cabernets are interesting as well.