The 1970 Pichon Lalande is bold, powerful and rustic in style. Iron, smoke, tobacco, game, licorice and dried stone fruit character are pushed forward. The aromatics are more focused and pleasing than the palate, where the 1970 is marred by traces of brett. All things considered, the 1970 has held up well, but any remaining bottles need to be finished.

The 1970 Pichon-Lalande appears to be losing its fruit and is in decline. The color revealed considerable rust and amber. The wine exhibited some vegetal, tobacco, cedary, black currant scents, but on the palate the sweet fruit in the attack quickly dissipated to reveal acidity, tannin, and alcohol, as well as a tough finish. I have had better examples, but this wine has been fully mature for many years. It may be fading more quickly than I would have thought. Last tasted 6/96

Magnum, of which the first was badly affected by TCA, alas. The second smelt rather of air freshener to me. There was some underripeness and this last wine of a line-up of glorious Pichons really did taste as though it came from another era – as it did. Some volatility. (JR)