1948 Vintage Port
Classic Vintage, with rich and individual wines that are unfortunately rather hard to find. Declared by some but not all Port houses.
Drinking Status
This Vintage has been fully mature for years, but well cellared, the best wines will last for many more.
Tasting Notes
These are wines that are expected to have a 100 year lifetime. A magical wine. The '48's are characterised by a rich coffee/caramel flavour. Incredibly concentrated and rich, almost syrup like in their intensity.
Climatic Conditions
The vines budded well but early, and flowering was prolific. July remained distinctly cool with no real heat. August and September were very hot indeed and the grapes ripened quickly.
Vinification
Harvesting took place under very hot conditions. The yield was reduced because of the lack of rain and the dehydration of the grapes in August. The quality was sound though.
Winemaker's Comments
"Grapes looking healthy and nice and very sweet."
John D Symington
16 September 1948
"This vintage seems to be similar to the 1926. Very high sugar content, slow fermentation even after a tremendous amount of work."
Francis R Warre
9 October 1948