1955 Vintage Port
Outstanding, fruity wines for long-term ageing - a real pleasure to drink, now or in a few decades time. One of the most underrated Vintages of the 20th Century. Declared by most of the major Port houses.
Drinking Status
Fully mature, but well cellared, the best wines from this year will be perfect for many decades to come.
Tasting Notes
Superbly balanced wines, fruity, smooth and concentrated, the best will last well into this century.
Climatic Conditions
After the February rain there was a heatwave in April and in the first half of May, which was again followed by rain. The vines flowered well and had the benefit of further rain in June. July was satisfactory, and August hot, with the grapes in good condition.
Vinification
It was very hot throughout the harvest and the quantity was less than expected, though the grapes showed quality from the start.
Winemaker's Comments
"Vines looking wonderful, both bunches and grapes are much larger than last year. A few showers between now and the the vintage should produce an excellent 1955."
Ronald Symington
15 August 1955
"After a week of great heat the weather in the first days of September has turned much cooler and the Upper Douro has enjoyed heavy thunder showers. If conditions continue as they are, the 19th should be a good starting date."
Maurice Symington
7 September 1955
"The weather kept fine throughout the vintage and it was mostly warm. The lagares took a very fair amount of work and averaged 14 degrees. The musts on the whole were very pleasant and generally speaking the later lagares were better than the earlier ones. We think some very good wine should be made as the colour generally was good and they were all very nice on the nose and palate."
Ronald Symington
28 September 1955