Souza vintage Port 1938 'matued in wood' bottled in 1972

Tasting note: Souza Vintage Port 1938 "Matured in Wood"

Appearance:
A fascinating, deep amber to warm teak colour, speckled with copper reflections - a testament to decades of ageing in barrels. The viscous texture draws narrow, slow-flowing "legs" on the glass. Despite its age, the wine radiates a clear, slightly translucent brilliance.

Nose:
A complex, oxidative bouquet that immediately captivates with dried apricots, figs and a pinch of candied orange peel. Beneath this, noble nuances of roasted hazelnuts, old leather and tobacco leaves unfold. Fine notes of caramel, vanilla pod and a hint of liquorice combine with a subtle spiciness (clove, sandalwood) reminiscent of the long wood ageing.

Palate:
A gently ingratiating attack with sweet tones of honey, sultanas and candied cherries, balanced by a surprising, lively acidity. The texture is silky, almost oily, with floating flavours of crushed walnuts, cocoa and a hint of smoke. The tannins are fully integrated, the alcohol (approx. 19-20%) blends in harmoniously without dominating.

Finish:
An endlessly long, elegant finish with smouldering notes of nut nougat, spiced bread and a mineral salinity on the finish. The final flavour is reminiscent of dark chocolate and matured balsamic vinegar - a sign of the highest art of maturation.

Overall impression:
A port of historic depth and aristocratic elegance. The Souza 1938 combines the power of an old vintage with the finesse of decades of ageing in wood. Despite its maturity, it retains a remarkable freshness and structure that makes it a contemporary witness to Portuguese port wine culture.

Serving suggestion:
At 14-16 °C as a contemplative solo digestif or with mature mountain cheese, truffle chocolate or a nut praline. A wine that deserves respect and time.

Ageing potential:
At the peak of its development, but stable thanks to ageing in wood. The bottle should be kept cool (12-14 °C) and dark - a gem for special occasions.

*Note: Matured in wood, this port is a rare representative of the old Colheita tradition. The 1938 vintage not only reflects the art of winemaking, but also the history of an era - a drink for collectors and storytellers.* 🍷

PS: Careful decanting is recommended for port wines from this era in order to separate any sediment and open the wine carefully.