The 1971 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Ducs was one of the standout wines of the vertical tasting. Clean and surprisingly deep in colour, the nose blossoms in the glass with macerated red cherries, hints of mocha and brown sugar, wild mint turning to camphor with hints of candied orange peel. The palate is medium-bodied, stricter than the nose but demonstrating exquisite balance and poise. No, it does not possess ineffable complexity but the poise and the length here is quite extraordinary considering its age. Best Clos des Ducs of the 1970s surely!