Both the 1971 Grands-Echezeaux and La Grande Rue from Domaine Henry Lamarche are still holding well. There was hail in parts of Burgundy in
1971. In some domaines that had hail damage and where the damaged grapes were not discarded, somewhat defective wines were made. Some of these had a slight taste of rot and turned brown fairly early. However some 1971s were very good and a few are still holding well. Henry Lamarche seemed to be making honest wines in this era, but they had a reputation for being a bit rustic and perhaps not up to the full potential of the domaine. Many showed better after several years than early on.The 1971 Grands-Echezeaux still has a good light ruby color with only a little age showing around the rim. Many 1971s were nearly pink when young, but became darker after a few years. Now most of the rustic character is gone. The wine has good acid and still a bit of dryish tannins. There is a typical, fairly complex, nose and taste - mainly mixed dark fruits with hints of spice. The finish is medium. While not up to the standards of the best Grands-Echezeaux of this era, this wine is very decent,especially with food. It perhaps lacks the concentration and complexity to be a critic's favorite, but it is easy to find much worse examples of Burgundy from the more famous vineyards.
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