Collection: The 1970s

Fifty in 2026 means a birth year of 1976. Fifty years married means a wedding in 1976. More milestone years land in this decade than in any other, which is why it is the busiest part of the shop.

1970 was generous and fine in Bordeaux and was declared in the Douro as well. 1971 belongs to Burgundy. 1978 gave the northern Rhône a vintage that Hermitage growers still measure others against, and Burgundy a very good one alongside it. Piedmont has 1971 and 1978 for Barolo, Tuscany has 1970 and 1975, and Port was declared in 1970, 1975 and 1977, which between them cover a useful spread of birthdays.

Anything made before 1990 is sold as a collectible rather than as a drink. Some of these wines are in fine shape and some have quietly given up, and we cannot tell which from a distance, so we do not pretend to. We can tell you what the bottle looks like now. 7 to 10 working days from the day we find the year.