1973 Wine and Port Vintage
Vintage Summary and Recommendations: A short summary of the 1973 Vintage with our top recommendations 1973 Wine and Port
The 1973 vintage was generally considered better than the preceding 1972 vintage, but it still wasn't a standout year for Port or wine production in Europe. In Portugal's Douro Valley, the 1973 vintage was not widely declared by Port houses. Some Port houses did produce and release 1973 vintage Ports, but they are generally considered to be of moderate quality as they tend to lack the richness and depth of better vintages. These wines would make a fabulous 52 year old wine gift for an Anniversary or birthday.
Our Wine Expert currently recommends the following wines for this year:
This Year in History: Television sitcom Last of the Summer Wine begins its first series run on BBC One.The Eurovision Winner was Luxembourg with the song "Tu Te Reconnaitras" by Anne-Marie David. Tom Kerridge, Chef, was born in this year and features on the reality culinary programs MasterChef, Saturday Kitchen, and Great British Menu.
Top Grossing Movie: The Exorcist
Bordeaux: Bordeaux 1973 wines are the product of a cold, wet summer, which was made worse by a rain in late August which bloated the grapes just before harvest. When released they were light, early drinking wines and time has not improved them! If you’re seeking a gift to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, we would recommend a bottle of colheita Port or a 1973 Montilla Moriles.
The 1973 wine vintage produced an enormous crop of easy drinking wines full of succulent fruit. The best examples from vineyards that adopted good selection are still drinking well today, although wines from Pauillac and Graves stand out. The weather was dry and warm throughout most of spring, providing good conditions for flowering. Heavy rain fell during much of July, but the month that followed was hot and dry. September began fine, but wet conditions returned from the middle of the month onwards.
Italian: Only a small crop of 1973 wine was produced in Italy and the wines are now very rare. The growing season was held back by inclement weather in the main Italian wine regions of Piedmont and Tuscany. Tuscany produced a small crop of Brunello and Chianti, generally characterised as having good colour, high acidity and some dryness. The best of the vintage originates from the more southerly regions.
Portugal: 1973 was not declared and very little Port exists from this year. A wet winter followed by an inconsistent summer led to a small crop. In 1973 there was a lack of quality spirit to fortify the grapes resulting in very little Port being made. Remarkably, we discovered a cask of 1973 white colheita Port at Devesa and persuaded them to bottle it exclusively for us.
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67 products found.
Quinta da Devesa, 1973
Finest Reserve White Port - in own presentation box | 50cl Bottle
The Quinta da Devesa White Port is made with grapes from the 1973 harvest and matured in cask until bottling in 2022, this is a fabulous white Port that is golden in colour, with a nose of sweet spices, iodine, wood notes and candied citrus. The palate is elegant, bright and offers a nice acidity, with citrus and honey, backed with concentrated old wood notes of cedar and walnut. A stylish finish with notes of lemon zest and molasses. Highly recommended!
1973 Devesa Reserve White Port is actually a 1973 Colheita White Port but has to be bottled under 'Reserve' label as the barrel was put aside for family and friends and so was not formally registered. …
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Price: £119.00
Stock: 17 in Stock
Ryst Dupeyron Armagnac, 1973
Ryst Dupeyron Reserve Joseph Millesime vintage Armagnac
50cl bottle
Includes original orange colour cardboard gift box
A well matured 1973 Vintage Armagnac suitable for sipping neat to fully appreciate its depth and complexity.
Tasting Notes
The 2007 Ryst-Dupeyron Armagnac is a rich, inviting blend of dried fruits, vanilla, caramel, honey, spices, leather, tobacco, and a slight nuttiness. The nose is rich and inviting, with dominant notes of prunes, figs, and apricots. The palate is smooth and warm, with a harmonious blend of dried fruit, honey, toffee, roasted nuts, dark chocolate, and citrus zest. The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering oak, spice, and warmth.
Serving & Food Pairing
Armagnac is traditionally enjoyed neat, allowing you to fully appreciate its complexity. …
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Price: £149.00
Stock: 7 in Stock
Toro Albalá, 1973
Don PX 1973, Montilla-Moriles | 20cl bottle.
95 Points - Robert Parker
Special Offer | was £99 | Now £69
Toro Albala 1973 PX 20cl luxury gift bottle
Toro Albala are famous for their award-winning vintage Pedro Ximenez (PX) wines. We are delighted to offer this 95 Point, 1973 PX Montila-Moriles presented in a beautiful 20cl gift pack
The dehydrated grapes fermented between 3% and 9% and then the wine was fortified and today bottled at 17%. Very perfumed and aromatic, a little exotic, with even some minty notes. The palate is very concentrated, round, with an oily texture that fills your mouth. An elegant endless finish.
Tasting Notes
With a residual sugar content of 320g/litre this is a dessert in a glass! The nose is complex with layers of dried fruits, …
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Price: £69.95
Stock: 20 in Stock
Toro Albalá, 1973
Don PX 1973, Montilla-Moriles | 75cl Bottle | In own gift box
***95 Points - Robert Parker***
Pedro Ximénez (often abbreviated as PX) is a sweet, fortified wine primarily produced in Spain, especially in the regions of Jerez (Sherry) and Montilla-Moriles. It is made from the Pedro Ximénez grape, which is sun-dried to concentrate its sugars before fermentation. The result is a wine that is intensely sweet, rich, and dark, with a syrupy texture.
Often described as "dessert in a glass," PX wines are bursting with flavors of raisins, molasses, dried figs, caramel, chocolate, and nuts like toasted almonds or hazelnuts. The wine’s sweetness is balanced by its complex and layered profile, making it a luxurious treat for the palate. …
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Price: £169.00
Stock: 15 in Stock
Barbaresco, 1973
Villadoria
Clearance Offer - Last Bottle | Was £119 | Now £89
Barbaresco is one of the great wines of Italy's north-western Piedmont region. This aristocratic red has its vineyards situated in the Langhe, on the right-hand side of the Tanaro river and extending from the area north-east of Alba to the communes of Barbaresco, Nieve and Treiso. The dominant variety grown is Nebbiolo, but Dolcetto and Barbera also play a part. The vines are generally grown on limestone-rich marl soils. similar to the Tortonium soils of the Barolo and La Morra areas in Barolo. Similar to its more famous sibling Barolo, Barbaresco is made from 100% Nebbiolo and shares its cult status as one of the finest wines in the world. …
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Price: £89.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Barbaresco, 1973
L. Rivetti
Barbaresco is one of the great wines of Italy's north-western Piedmont region. This aristocratic red has its vineyards situated in the Langhe, on the right-hand side of the Tanaro river and extending from the area north-east of Alba to the communes of Barbaresco, Nieve and Treiso. The dominant variety grown is Nebbiolo, but Dolcetto and Barbera also play a part. The vines are generally grown on limestone-rich marl soils. similar to the Tortonium soils of the Barolo and La Morra areas in Barolo. Similar to its more famous sibling Barolo, Barbaresco is made from 100% Nebbiolo and shares its cult status as one of the finest wines in the world. …
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Price: £129.00
Stock: 2 in Stock
Barbaresco, 1973
Fratelli Casetta
Barbaresco is one of the great wines of Italy's north-western Piedmont region. This aristocratic red has its vineyards situated in the Langhe, on the right-hand side of the Tanaro river and extending from the area north-east of Alba to the communes of Barbaresco, Neive and Treiso. The dominant variety grown is Nebbiolo, but Dolcetto and Barbera also play a part. The vines are generally grown on limestone-rich marl soils. similar to the Tortonium soils of the Barolo and La Morra areas in Barolo. Similar to its more famous sibling Barolo, Barbaresco is made from 100% Nebbiolo and shares its cult status as one of the finest wines in the world. …
more >>>
Price: £139.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Barbera, 1973
Riccardo Ceretto
Barbera is a wine of prestige, rich colors that refer generally to the ruby purple, just what clothes cardinals; the bouquet is ample and composite, with fruity notes of blackberry, cherry, strawberry and red fruit jam and spicy aromas reminiscent of cinnamon, vanilla, green pepper.
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Price: £89.00
Stock: 4 in Stock
Barbera d'Alba, 1973
Salvano Saverio
Barbera is a wine of prestige, rich colors that refer generally to the ruby purple, just what clothes cardinals; the bouquet is ample and composite, with fruity notes of blackberry, cherry, strawberry and red fruit jam and spicy aromas reminiscent of cinnamon, vanilla, green pepper.
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Price: £75.00
Stock: 2 in Stock
Cabernet, 1973
Tenuta Sottomonte di Butrio
A classic red Italian wine made from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. The wine has aged to produce a garnet core with a clear rim. Lots of oak, leather and soft tannins remain.
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Price: £69.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Cabernet, 1973
Cecilia Danieli Butrio
A classic red Italian wine made from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape. The wine has aged to produce a garnet core with a clear rim. Lots of oak, leather and soft tannins remain.
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Price: £59.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Cannonau Di Sardegna, 1973
Sella & Mosca
The Cannonau (also known as Cannonao, Cannonadu or Canunau) is the most popular wine from the island of Sardinia. It's mostly produced in the centre of Sardinia, even if we can find production of this famous wine in all the island. The grapes used for this Sardinian wine is the Cannonau. (At least 90 % of this grapes has to be used to be certified as original Cannonau). Cannonau is a very "strong wine" so it should be used with elaborate red meat and some types of cheese.
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Price: £79.00
Stock: 2 in Stock
Chateau Batailley, 1973
Pauillac 5th Growth Classification
1973 Château Batailley – A Mature Bordeaux for the Curious Collector
The 1973 Château Batailley is a wine from a vintage that had its challenges, yet it remains an interesting piece of Bordeaux history. As a fifth-growth estate in Pauillac, Château Batailley is known for its structured, Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wines, built for aging. However, the 1973 growing season was marked by wet conditions later in the summer, leading to lighter, more delicate wines with softer tannins and a less concentrated profile than in stronger vintages.
Now, over 50 years later, the 1973 Château Batailley is likely well past its peak, with faded fruit and a more tertiary-driven character. …
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Price: £69.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Chateau Boyd-Cantenac, 1973
Cantenac Margaux 3rd Growth Classification
The 1973 Château Boyd-Cantenac is a well-aged Third Growth Margaux, though it originates from a difficult vintage. The 1973 Bordeaux growing season was marked by cool and wet conditions, leading to lighter wines with limited aging potential. As a result, many wines from this year were best enjoyed early, and those that remain today are fragile and highly dependent on storage conditions.
Now over 50 years old, this wine may still display soft, delicate aromas but is likely to have faded fruit and a weaker structure. Boyd-Cantenac is known for producing elegant and balanced wines, but the vintage’s challenges mean its longevity is uncertain. …
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Price: £89.00
Stock: 4 in Stock
Chateau Branaire-Ducru, 1973
St Julien, 4th Growth Classification
The 1973 Château Branaire-Ducru is a rare find from the esteemed Saint-Julien appellation, a region known for producing refined and well-structured Bordeaux wines. As a Fourth Growth estate classified in 1855, Château Branaire-Ducru has a long history of crafting elegant, terroir-driven wines. The 1973 vintage, while produced in a challenging year, remains an interesting piece of Bordeaux history and a collector’s curiosity.
The 1973 vintage in Bordeaux was marked by heavy rainfall during the summer and harvest, leading to wines that were lighter in body with a more delicate structure. While this vintage did not have the power and longevity of more renowned years, …
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Price: £89.00
Stock: 2 in Stock
Chateau Duhart Milon Rothschild, 1973
Pauillac 4th Growth Classification
The 1973 Château Duhart-Milon is a well-aged Fourth Growth Pauillac, originating from a weaker Bordeaux vintage. The 1973 growing season was marked by cool and wet conditions, resulting in lighter wines with limited aging potential. Now, over 50 years later, this wine remains a historical curiosity, though its condition will vary significantly depending on storage.
Tasting notes suggest that the fruit has faded, leaving behind earthy and oaky characteristics with medium acidity, softened tannins, and a short finish. While some well-preserved bottles may still offer a glimpse into its past structure, this vintage is generally considered past its prime and should be approached with measured expectations. …
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Price: £89.00
Stock: 2 in Stock
Chateau La Mission Haut Brion, 1973
Pessac-Léognan
Magnum 1.5 litres
Level top shoulder or better
1973 Mission Haut Brion
It took a skilled winemaker to produce a good wine this year, and luckily those at this storied second label were successful. The winemaker called this "a good bottle from a difficult vintage," saying, "The abundant production of the year is evident in this wine. Above all it has been affected by the profuse rains during July and September. The color is light and rather developed. The ever-present woodiness is uncertain. As for the nose, one already has the feeling of a dominant old wine. The wine is light and agreeable at the attack but the finale is more delicate. …
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Price: £795.00
Stock: 2 in Stock
Chateau Saint Pierre, 1973
Château Saint-Pierre-Sevaistre, St Julien
The 1973 Château Saint-Pierre-Sevaistre is a well-aged Saint-Julien wine, originating from a historically divided estate that was later reunited under Château Saint-Pierre. The 1973 Bordeaux vintage was challenging, with cool and wet conditions, resulting in wines that were lighter and meant for early drinking. While some bottles may still offer glimpses of their original character, most have likely passed their peak.
With over 50 years of aging, this wine may still display delicate aromas of dried rosehips, faded tobacco, and tea, with flavors of red currant and cranberry. However, its structure has likely softened, and its longevity is dependent on careful storage. …
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Price: £74.95
Stock: 20 in Stock
Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, 1973
Martillac
The 1973 Smith Haut Lafitte was fully mature decades ago and has gracefully declined into an old wine with a mahogany core, notes of mushroom and farmyard, soft fruit, nice acidity and a moderate finish.
About Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte Château Smith Haut Lafitte is a renowned wine estate located in the Pessac-Léognan appellation of Bordeaux, France. With origins dating back to the 14th century, the estate encompasses 78 hectares of vineyards planted on gravelly soils that are ideal for viticulture. The château produces both red and white wines, primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Sauvignon Blanc, with smaller quantities of Sauvignon Gris and Sémillon. …
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Price: £129.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Chateau Talbot, 1973
St Julien 4th Growth Classification
A surprisingly good wine for the vintage, The 1973 Talbot is now in decline as the fruit recedes, and the dusty tannins and oak become more dominant, this medium ruby-coloured wine still has good body and enough interest in the bouquet to hold many people's attention.
Château Talbot, situated in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, France, is renowned for its prestigious history and exceptional red wines. With origins tracing back to the 17th century, the estate's vineyards span approximately 107 hectares, primarily planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot grapes. …
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Price: £149.00
Stock: 3 in Stock
Chateau Talbot, 1973
St Julien 4th Growth Classification
A surprisingly good wine for the vintage, The 1973 Talbot is now in decline as the fruit recedes, and the dusty tannins and oak become more dominant, this medium ruby-coloured wine still has good body and enough interest in the bouquet to hold many people's attention.
Château Talbot, situated in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, France, is renowned for its prestigious history and exceptional red wines. With origins tracing back to the 17th century, the estate's vineyards span approximately 107 hectares, primarily planted with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot grapes. …
more >>>
Price: £149.00
Stock: 2 in Stock
Chianti, 1973
Melini
Chianti, situated in Tuscany in central Italy, is home to probably the best-known and most iconic of all Italian wines. Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are primarily made with Sangiovese grape whereas the Vernaccia grape is the basis of the white Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
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Price: £89.00
Stock: 3 in Stock
Chianti, 1973
Castello di Gabiano
Clearance Offer - Last Bottle | Was £99 | Now £65
Chianti, situated in Tuscany in central Italy, is home to probably the best-known and most iconic of all Italian wines. Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are primarily made with Sangiovese grape whereas the Vernaccia grape is the basis of the white Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
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Price: £65.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Chianti, 1973
Barone Ricasoli
Chianti, situated in Tuscany in central Italy, is home to probably the best-known and most iconic of all Italian wines. Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are primarily made with Sangiovese grape whereas the Vernaccia grape is the basis of the white Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
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Price: £99.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Corvo, 1973
Salaparuta
Corvo, a classic Sicilian wine, is produced from Sicilian vines cultivated on warm, sunny hills. Aged in oak barrels it is distinguished by its round, full-bodied and persistent flavour. Together with Corvo Bianco, Corvo Rosso was the first wine to be bottled in Sicily, back in 1824, and is now the best known red wine in Italy thanks to its excellent quality/price ratio and consistent quality. Extremely versatile, it goes well with grilled and roast meats and medium-aged cheeses.
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Price: £69.00
Stock: 1 in Stock