1965

1965 the war in Vietnam continues to get worse as no matter what the Americans do, including major bombings of North Vietnam, they continue to lose more men, at the same time the anti-war movement grows and November 13, 35 000 march on Washington in protest against the war. There is also civil unrest with riots, looting and arson in Los Angeles. It was also the first year that mandatory health warnings appeared on cigarette packages and smokin...

Australia / Above average growing season rainfall was followed by a warm, dry vintage leading to good yields and high quality wines – especially reds which were a lighter, more elegant style.

In 1965 there were 7,287 hectares of vineyards in Barossa and 35,820 tonnes of wine grapes were crushed in that vintage.

Viticulturally this was a poor fruit set year for Grenache and growers also faced a downy mildew threat in December 1964 and again on January 4 when “oil spots” appeared after a prolonged dew.

Dam building was promoted as an alternative to wells and bores for irrigation. Undervine weed control, through mechanical cultivation and early herbicide use, was being promoted to boost moisture retention.
Concerns were also being registered about the potential for metal contamination from grape trays used for delivering loads.

Following years of wine promotion, the “red wine boom” began in Australia and between 1964/65 and 1969/70 red wine consumption would leap by 150% from 9.58 million litres to 25.47 million litres.

Barossa wineries continued to introduce new technology with Orlando commissioning the first McKenzie four stage continuous press, MAC static drainers and carbon dioxide drainers in 1965.

Penfolds introduced the first “bag in a box” – a metal container with a polythene liner but sealing problems meant that it failed to gain acceptance.

“Killer” yeasts were also recognised for the first time.

Rioja, a renowned wine region in Spain, is famous for producing exceptional red wines predominantly from the Tempranillo grape variety. The 1965 vintage in Rioja is remembered as a year that yielded wines of notable quality, marked by their balance and aging potential. 

The weather conditions in Rioja during the 1965 growing season played a crucial role in shaping the character of the vintage. The year began with a relatively mild winter, followed by a spring with favorable conditions for budbreak and flowering. Summer brought warm and dry weather, allowing the grapes to ripen gradually and evenly. The harvest took place under clear skies, with grapes reaching optimal ripeness.

Rioja 1965 Reds: The red wines of Rioja from the 1965 vintage are known for their balance, elegance, and aging potential.

Appearance: The 1965 Rioja reds typically exhibit a garnet-red to brick-red color, showing signs of aging that reflect their considerable time in bottle.

Nose: On the nose, the 1965 Rioja reds offer a complex bouquet with aromas of red and black fruits, vanilla, leather, and subtle hints of spices and tobacco. The aromatic profile is refined and captivating.

Palate: In the mouth, the 1965 Rioja reds are marked by their balanced acidity and integrated tannins. The wines have a medium to full body with a smooth and velvety texture. Flavors of red cherries, blackberries, plums, and nuances of cedar and spice intermingle harmoniously, creating an elegant and enduring finish. These wines are beautifully balanced and showcase the character of the Tempranillo grape.

Overall Impressions: The Rioja 1965 vintage is celebrated for its balance and elegance. While it may not be considered one of the most exceptional vintages in Rioja's history, it stands out for producing wines of notable quality and aging potential. These wines have aged gracefully and continue to captivate wine enthusiasts with their complexity and character. 

Germany, known for its exceptional Riesling wines, has a long history of producing wines that are celebrated for their finesse and balance. The 1965 vintage in Germany is remembered as a year that produced wines of notable quality, characterized by their purity and elegance. 

Weather Conditions: The weather conditions in Germany during the 1965 growing season played a significant role in shaping the character of the vintage. The year began with a relatively mild winter, followed by a spring with favorable conditions for budbreak and flowering. Summer brought warm and dry weather, allowing the grapes to ripen gradually and evenly. The harvest took place under clear skies, with grapes reaching optimal ripeness.

German Rieslings 1965: The Riesling wines of Germany from the 1965 vintage are known for their purity, balance, and aging potential.

Appearance: The 1965 German Rieslings typically exhibit a pale to medium gold color, reflecting their youthful appearance even after many years of aging.

Nose: On the nose, the 1965 German Rieslings offer a captivating bouquet with aromas of ripe orchard fruits, citrus, white flowers, and hints of petrol and mineral notes. The aromatic profile is delicate, nuanced, and highly aromatic.

Palate: In the mouth, the 1965 German Rieslings are marked by their graceful and vibrant acidity. The wines have a light to medium body and a silky texture. Flavors of green apple, apricot, lemon zest, and subtle mineral nuances intermingle harmoniously, creating an elegant and enduring finish. These wines are beautifully balanced and showcase the purity of the Riesling grape.

Overall Impressions: The German 1965 vintage is celebrated for its purity and finesse, particularly in the case of Riesling wines. While it may not be considered one of the greatest vintages in Germany's history, it stands out for producing wines of notable quality and aging potential. These wines have aged gracefully and continue to captivate wine enthusiasts with their complexity and character. 

Bordeaux by Château Latour: Growth started a little late on March 30, but the vines developed normally after April 30. Apart from very good weather during the second half of May, it was a little cold until mid-June. From then on, there was a great improvement and the first flower appeared around June 20. The weather got even worse in July and August with rain and unseasonably low temperatures. The weather deteriorated during the first twenty days of September. There was a break from the 19th to the 25th, then it started raining again, temperatures dropped and rot started to develop. The harvest took place in fine weather from October 4 to 16. But the damage was done and the musts were poor, with a lot of acidity and little color.