1948

Bordeaux 1948: a fine vintage which had the misfortune of being located between two legendary vintages.

Weather Conditions: The weather conditions in Bordeaux during the 1948 growing season were challenging. The year began with a cold winter, followed by a late spring and a rather wet early summer. These conditions delayed budbreak and flowering, which in turn affected grape ripening. However, the weather improved in late summer, with a warm and dry period that allowed the grapes to ripen more fully. The harvest took place under favorable conditions, salvaging the vintage to some extent.

Bordeaux 1948 Reds: The red wines of Bordeaux from the 1948 vintage vary in quality. The wines typically display a ruby-red to garnet color with signs of aging, such as a brick or amber rim. On the nose, they offer a mix of dried fruits, cedar, tobacco, and earthy notes.

In the mouth, the 1948 Bordeaux reds are characterized by their medium body and soft, often resolved tannins. The acidity levels can vary, but some wines maintain a balanced structure. While the vintage does not consistently deliver the depth and concentration associated with Bordeaux's finest years, there are still well-preserved bottles that provide enjoyable drinking experiences, showcasing mature fruit and tertiary flavors.

Bordeaux 1948 Whites: The white wines of Bordeaux from the 1948 vintage also produced mixed results. These wines typically have a pale to medium gold color with aromas of honey, citrus, and hints of nuttiness. While they may lack the vibrancy and freshness of some other vintages, well-preserved bottles can still exhibit a certain charm and complexity.

Overall Impressions: The Bordeaux 1948 vintage is considered a mixed vintage in terms of quality. It is characterized by challenging weather conditions that impacted grape ripening and resulted in wines of varying degrees of maturity and complexity. 

For collectors and connoisseurs, the 1948 Bordeaux wines offer a glimpse into Bordeaux's resilience in the face of adversity. Some bottles have aged gracefully, and those that have been stored well can still provide enjoyable drinking experiences. However, it is important to approach this vintage with realistic expectations, as it may not consistently offer the depth and longevity associated with Bordeaux at its best.

The weather conditions in Burgundy during the 1948 growing season were far from ideal. The year began with a harsh winter, followed by a late spring and a cool, wet summer. These adverse conditions resulted in delayed budbreak, flowering, and uneven grape ripening. However, September brought a period of relatively warm and dry weather, offering some respite and allowing grapes to reach a degree of maturity.

Burgundy 1948 Reds: The red wines of Burgundy from the 1948 vintage are generally considered to be of modest quality. These wines typically exhibit a pale garnet color with signs of aging, such as a brick or amber rim. On the nose, they often display earthy and herbal notes alongside dried red fruit aromas.

In the mouth, the 1948 Burgundy reds are characterized by their light to medium body and softened tannins. The acidity levels can vary, but the wines tend to lack the depth and complexity found in more exceptional vintages. While there are well-preserved bottles that can still offer some charm and character, this vintage is not known for producing wines with the same aging potential or depth as some of Burgundy's classic years.

Burgundy 1948 Whites: The white wines of Burgundy from the 1948 vintage also faced challenges due to the adverse weather conditions. These wines typically have a pale gold color with aromas of citrus, dried fruits, and hints of honey and nuts. While they may lack the vibrancy and freshness of some other vintages, well-preserved bottles can still provide a glimpse into the region's winemaking history.

Overall Impressions: The Burgundy 1948 vintage is generally regarded as a challenging year in terms of wine quality. The adverse weather conditions throughout the growing season presented significant hurdles for grape ripening and resulted in wines of modest complexity and structure.

For collectors and enthusiasts, the 1948 Burgundy wines offer a historical perspective on the region's winemaking, but they may not consistently deliver the depth and elegance associated with Burgundy at its best. It is important to approach this vintage with realistic expectations and to seek out well-preserved bottles from reputable producers for the best possible tasting experiences.

Champagne: 1948 /  The weather conditions in Champagne during the 1948 growing season were marked by challenges. The year began with a cold winter, followed by a cool and damp spring that delayed budbreak and flowering. The summer was relatively warm, although periods of rain persisted. However, September brought a welcome change, with a period of dry and sunny weather that allowed grapes to ripen more fully. The harvest took place under favorable conditions, contributing to the vintage's overall quality.

The 1948 Champagne vintage is known for producing wines of elegance and finesse. These Champagnes typically exhibit a pale golden color with a fine, persistent effervescence, signaling their age. When poured into a glass, they release delicate bubbles that form a graceful mousse.

Nose: On the nose, the 1948 Champagnes reveal a complex bouquet with aromas of citrus zest, white flowers, toasted brioche, and subtle honeyed notes. There is a nuanced minerality that adds depth to the aromatic profile.

Palate: In the mouth, the 1948 Champagnes are marked by their refined and creamy textures. The bubbles are exceptionally well-integrated, providing a silky and luxurious mouthfeel. The acidity remains vibrant, lending a refreshing quality to the wines. Flavors of ripe orchard fruits, lemon curd, and a touch of hazelnut intermingle harmoniously. These wines are beautifully balanced, showcasing the elegance and longevity that Champagne is known for.

Overall Impressions: The Champagne 1948 vintage is a testament to the region's ability to produce exceptional wines even in challenging conditions. While it may not have reached the heights of some of the legendary Champagne years, it stands out for its finesse and elegance. These wines have aged gracefully and continue to captivate wine enthusiasts with their complexity and character.

For those fortunate enough to encounter a bottle from the 1948 Champagne vintage, it offers a unique opportunity to experience a moment in history when Champagne truly shone. These wines are a reminder of the timeless appeal and enduring quality that defines the world of Champagne.

Australia: Below average growing season rainfall and a very dry vintage was followed by a wet April and May. In 1948 there were 7691 hectares of vineyards in Barossa and 29,459 tonnes of wine grapes were crushed in that vintage.

The Barossa’s first stainless steel grape receival facility was introduced at Orlando in the bid for increased hygiene in grape processing.

A year of high malic acid levels, which led winemakers to first recognise pH and TA changes relating to malolactic fermentation (MLF).

The 1948 vintage in Italy was a year marked by various regional challenges, resulting in wines of mixed quality. In this vintage report, we will explore the key characteristics and highlights of the 1948 Italian wines.

Weather Conditions: The weather conditions in Italy during the 1948 growing season were characterized by regional variations. While it's challenging to provide a single overview of the entire country due to its diverse wine regions, there were some common weather patterns that affected many areas. Italy experienced a cooler and wetter than usual year, which posed challenges for grape ripening and harvest timing. However, some regions managed to produce wines of note despite these difficulties.

Italian Reds in 1948: The red wines of Italy from the 1948 vintage exhibit a range of qualities and characteristics, largely influenced by the specific regions and grape varieties. In general, these wines typically show a brick-red or garnet color with signs of aging, such as an amber or brownish rim.

In the mouth, the 1948 Italian reds often have a medium body with moderate acidity and softened tannins. The flavor profiles vary depending on the grape varieties used, but common notes include dried red fruits, earthy undertones, and herbal elements. While this vintage is not known for producing wines with exceptional aging potential or depth, there are individual examples that have aged gracefully and can offer enjoyable drinking experiences.

Italian Whites in 1948: The white wines of Italy from the 1948 vintage also display a range of characteristics. These wines tend to have a pale to medium gold color, and the aromas can include citrus, orchard fruits, and subtle notes of honey and nuts. While some examples may have retained a degree of freshness, others may show signs of oxidation due to the challenging conditions of the year.

Overall Impressions: The Italian wine vintage of 1948 is generally considered a mixed vintage in terms of quality. The cooler and wetter weather conditions presented challenges for grape ripening and winemaking across many regions. While there are wines that have aged gracefully and can still offer enjoyable drinking experiences, this vintage is not known for producing wines with exceptional depth or complexity.

Port Vintage Report: A classic Vintage. Hot year. Harvest under very hot weather (reaching 45° C). Many dried and very sweet grapes, at Cima Corgo, so much so that it was difficult to control fermentation in some cases. Low quantity. Very sweet and full-bodied wine. Suckling says it is one of those “magic wines”, made to last one hundred years or more.

Declared by some but not all Port houses, 1948s are  classic Vintage Ports, with rich and individual wines that are unfortunately rather hard to find now. Fully mature for years, well cellared the best wines can be expected to have a 100 year life. The 48’s are characterised by a rich coffee/caramel flavour and are incredibly concentrated and rich, almost syrup like in their intensity.