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1973 Wine and Port Vintage

Vintage Summary and Recommendations:

1973 Wine and Port

A short summary of the 1973 Vintage with our top recommendations

Welcome to Vintage Wine and Port's 1973 wine page. Read on for our summary of the 1973 vintage, our top recommendations and region reports. Scroll down to see all of our wines currently available. If you cannot find what you are looking for please call us on 01425 837177 or Contact Us. We would love to help you with your wine choice!

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:

  • Quinta da Devesa 1973 Finest Reserve White port in presentation box
  • Ryst Dupeyron Armagnac
  • Bodegas Toro Albala 1973 Don PX Montilla Moriles, sweet wine, Spain
  • DOliveiras Madeira 1973 Verdelho


  •  
    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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    61 products found.

    Quinta da Devesa, 1973

    Finest Reserve White Port - in own presentation box | 50cl Bottle
    January Offer | was £119 | Now £50

    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: $63.98 USD
    Stock: 11 in Stock

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    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: $190.67 USD
    Stock: 8 in Stock

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    Toro Albalá, 1973

    Don PX 1973, Montilla-Moriles | 20cl bottle.
    95 Points - Robert Parker
    Special Offer | was £119 | Now £75

    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: $95.97 USD
    Stock: 20 in Stock

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    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: $216.26 USD
    Stock: 15 in Stock

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    Barbaresco, 1973

    Villadoria

    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: $152.28 USD
    Stock: 1 in Stock

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    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: $165.08 USD
    Stock: 2 in Stock

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    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.
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    Price: $177.87 USD
    Stock: 1 in Stock

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    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: $113.89 USD
    Stock: 4 in Stock

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    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: $95.97 USD
    Stock: 2 in Stock

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    Boca, 1973

    Poderi Ai Valloni
    Half Price Clearance Offer | Was £99 | Now £49.50

    The wines Boca must be made from grapes coming within the company, from the following varieties in the proportion indicated below: Nebbiolo (Span): from 70% to 90%; Vespolina and Uva Rara (Bonarda Novarese) alone or in combination from 10% to 30%.
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    Price: $63.34 USD
    Stock: 1 in Stock

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    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: $88.30 USD
    Stock: 1 in Stock

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    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: $75.50 USD
    Stock: 1 in Stock

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    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: $101.09 USD
    Stock: 2 in Stock

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    Chateau Gruaud Larose, 1973

    St Julien 2me Cru Classe

    The 1973 Chateau Gruaud Larose has some soft red fruit on the nose. Medium acidity and tannins this wine has a short finish.

    Château Gruaud-Larose, situated in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, France, holds a distinguished reputation dating back to the 18th century. With approximately 82 hectares of vineyards planted primarily with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, the estate benefits from gravelly and sandy soils, ideal for producing exceptional red wines. Known for its rich, complex blends, Château Gruaud-Larose's wines offer a harmonious balance of ripe fruit flavors, structured tannins, and a distinct Saint-Julien character.
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    Price: $126.69 USD
    Stock: 1 in Stock

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    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: $1,017.33 USD
    Stock: 2 in Stock

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    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: $165.08 USD
    Stock: 2 in Stock

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    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: $190.67 USD
    Stock: 3 in Stock

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    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: $190.67 USD
    Stock: 2 in Stock

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    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: $113.89 USD
    Stock: 3 in Stock

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    Chianti, 1973

    Castello di Gabiano

    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: $126.69 USD
    Stock: 1 in Stock

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    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: $126.69 USD
    Stock: 1 in Stock

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    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: $88.30 USD
    Stock: 1 in Stock

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    D'Oliveiras Madeira, 1973

    Verdelho Madeira

    Rich and complex Madeira from the brilliant D’Oliveiras reserve.
    A complex Madeira with a spicy-citrus nose and hints of marmalade. The wine has a rich palate, with a refreshing acidity balancing this medium dry wine to perfection. Excellent served slightly chilled as an aperitif but is also exceedingly good with soups, oysters, feathered game and patês. It has been bottled ready for drinking and will keep for several months after opening.
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    Price: $415.89 USD
    Stock: 25 in Stock

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    Fiorano, 1973

    Ludovisi Principe di Vinosa

    Made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, the wine ages in old 10-hectoliter Slovenian barrels. It has a bright, intense ruby color of medium concentration. The aromas are truly complex and pronounced with austere notes of tar, slightly smoky as well as balsamic tones along with accents of cassis and blueberry that merge into a broad aromatic spectrum of extraordinary elegance. The mouthfeel is silky, harmonious and full-bodied with just a hint of very fine tannins while there I absolutely no woodiness. The finish is agile and subtle with an excellent persistence.
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    Price: $165.08 USD
    Stock: 2 in Stock

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    Fonseca Port, 1973

    Crusted Port - Bottled in 1973
    Badly Damaged labels

    A very rare bottle of 1973 crusted port.

    Crusted Port is a very small category, named because of the 'crust' of sediment that it forms in the bottle. Invented by the British-owned Port houses predominantly for the British Port drinker, it is intended to be a more economical alternative to Vintage or Late Bottled Vintage. Crusted is a blend of several harvests, which are bottled without being filtered and laid down to mature like Vintage wines. Using this approach allows the manufacturer to use some of the lesser harvests but still produce a good rich full bodied wine at an economical price.
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    Price: $287.92 USD
    Stock: 5 in Stock

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