Santa Barbara 1976 Vintage Report
For much of the season, 1976 looked destined for greatness in Santa Barbara, until the elements conspired against it in the final weeks.
Spring was steady if unremarkable, with the vines navigating the vulnerable flowering stage without major incident.
Summer conditions were balanced, oscillating between warm spells and refreshing intervals that kept the ripening on a steady track.
The finale was fraught with tension. A deluge of 87mm during the harvest period forced an expedited picking schedule to mitigate botrytis risks, rewarding those who sorted ruthlessly.
**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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