Given all the hype concerning the 1945s, 1947s, and 1949s, 1948 was forgotten. However, 1948 produced a number of great wines, as evidenced by such superstars as La Mission-Haut-Brion, Cheval Blanc, Petrus, Vieux-Chateau-Certan, Lafleur, and Canon. The 1948 Beychevelle is an outstanding wine. At its plateau of maturity, it exhibits a deep color, as well as outstanding power and richness. The big, rich, plummy nose of earth, black fruits, and spices refuses to fade away. Atypically powerful and full-bodied for a Beychevelle, with moderate tannin in the finish, this concentrated wine should continue to drink well for another 10-15 years.