Santa Barbara 1973 Vintage Report
Ideally sequenced and largely stress-free, 1973 goes down as a textbook vintage for Santa Barbara.
The cycle began with a harmonious flowering period. Warm days (avg 18°C) allowed for an even fruit set, establishing the potential for a generous crop.
Summer conditions were balanced, oscillating between warm spells and refreshing intervals that kept the ripening on a steady track.
The season concluded with a pristine harvest window. With negligible rain (5mm), pickers could wait for perfect phenolic maturity, harvesting each block at its absolute zenith.
**Style:** Classically proportioned wines with good balance and terroir expression.
About Santa Barbara
Unique for its transverse mountain ranges, Santa Barbara funnels cool ocean air deep inland. This creates a paradise for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the west, and Syrah and Bordeaux varieties in the warmer east.
Climatic Blueprint
Growing Degree Days (GDD)
Total Rainfall
Sunshine Hours
Diurnal Shift
Frost Days
Average Temperature
Historical Context (10 Years)
Comparison of growing season heat accumulation vs regional average.
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