Barossa Valley 1961 Vintage Report
Defining the 1961 vintage in Barossa Valley requires looking beyond the averages, as it was a year of contrasting fortunes and precise timing.
Spring was steady if unremarkable, with the vines navigating the vulnerable flowering stage without major incident.
Summer turned up the intensity. With 25 days soaring above 35°C, the vines faced a stress test. Combined with a lack of rainfall (only 145mm total), this led to hydric stress that halted ripening in younger vines, though old vines with deep roots persevered. A key factor was the dramatic diurnal shift (12.5°C), ensuring that despite the daytime warmth, acidities remained razor-sharp.
The season concluded with a pristine harvest window. With negligible rain (13mm), pickers could wait for perfect phenolic maturity, harvesting each block at its absolute zenith.
**Style:** Rich, opulent, and structured wines built for the long haul.
About Barossa Valley
Home to some of the world's oldest vines, Barossa is synonymous with big, bold Shiraz. These wines are known for their rich blackberry fruit, chocolate notes, and velvety texture.
Climatic Blueprint
Growing Degree Days (GDD)
Total Rainfall
Sunshine Hours
Diurnal Shift
Frost Days
Average Temperature
Historical Context (1 Years)
Comparison of growing season heat accumulation vs regional average.
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