Vintage Summary and Recommendations: 1983 Wine and Port
A short summary of the fabulous 1983 Vintage with our top recommendations
Welcome to Vintage Wine and Port's 1983 wine page. Read on for our summary of the 1983 vintage, our top recommendations and region reports. Scroll down to see all of our wines currently available. If you cannot find what you are looking for please call us on 01425 837177 or Contact Us. We would love to help you with your wine choice!
The 1983 vintage produced some fabulous Vintage Ports that are drinking well today and will last for decades. In Bordeaux and Italy the vintage was challenging. Top producers who selected their grapes produced some very good wines. These wines are still in their drinking window and will continue to hold. Any of these wines would make a fabulous 42 year old wine gift for an Anniversary or birthday.
Our Wine Expert currently recommends the following wines for this year:
Messias 1983 Quinta Do Cachao DOliveiras Madeira 1983 Verdelho Dao 1983 Porta Dos Cavaleiros, Portugal Red Wine Chateau Cos dEstournel 1983, Bordeaux Red Wine Ryst Dupeyron 1983 vintage Armagnac Recioto 1983 Lenotti, Italian Red
This Year in History: The final episode of the TV series M*A*S*H, airs on CBS, to a total audience of 121.6M. Luxembourg won Eurovision with the song " Si La Vie Est Cadeau" by Corinne Hermes. Henry Cavill, Actor, was born in this year. He is best known for his role as Superman in several of the DC films.
Top Grossing Movie: Star Wars Ep. VI: Return of the Jedi
Bordeaux: The 1983 vintage produced wines of mixed quality, with some excellent wines from the Margaux region. A tropical humid heat-wave in August led to over-ripening in some regions, but those Chateaux who adopted careful selection produced some outstanding wines. Those from the Margaux region were probably the greatest of the decade. St Julien and Pauillac also turned out very good wines. The irregularity means that no single characteristic defines the vintage, however the wines are now at the peak of their maturity.
Champagne: A good year, that was overshadowed by the outstanding 1982 vintage. The winter was harsh, and conditions did not improve much in spring, which was cold and damp. As a result, flowering was late, although when it did take place it did so under ideal conditions. The sunny, warm weather continued throughout much of the summer, although enough rain fell to prevent the crop from drying out. Rain, and the temperature, fell at the start of September, but conditions picked up in time for the harvest at the end of the month and beginning of October.
Italian: The 1983 wine vintage is rated as very good for the regions of Tuscany and Piedmont. The vintage produced rich, structured, full-bodied wines that are still drinking well today.
Portugal: 1983 vintage ports are now considered great classic, concentrated, rich and potent wines. It was a general declaration of vintage, with 10 major shippers declaring this year. In youth the wines were powerful yet austere, lacking the showy opulence of the 85s. However, in bottle they have developed marvellously, with the best examples being complex and harmonious. These are excellent value-for-money ports, and would make a brilliant wine gift for a birthday or anniversary.
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21 products found.
Ryst Dupeyron Armagnac, 1983
Ryst Dupeyron Reserve Joseph Millesime vintage Armagnac
50cl bottle
Includes original orange colour cardboard gift box
The 1983 Armagnac from Ryst-Dupeyron is a sophisticated and refined spirit, reflecting the quality and craftsmanship of its historic producer. It makes for an exceptional gift, particularly for someone who appreciates fine spirits or has a special connection to the year 1983, such as a birthday, anniversary, or other significant event.
Tasting Notes
This Armagnac reveals an orange-copper colour with aromas and flavours of exotic woods dried fruits, vanilla, caramel, and toffee. Tertiary notes include spices, toasted nuts, tobacco, and leather. The taste is smooth, full-bodied, warm, velvety, with layers of honey, dark chocolate, and coffee. …
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Price: £99.00
Stock: 10 in Stock
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Messias, 1983
Quinta Do Cachao Vintage Port
Excellent Provenance - Library Release
An excellent vintage year gave us the Messias 1983 bottle. Very impressive for the age of this wine. Powerful yet elegant, with a fine balance and fluidity. Although it is accessible now, this top effort will benefit from another five to ten years bottle age.
Tasting Notes:
Mature tawny colour. Crème caramel and burned sugar in the nose with hints of currants and dried cherries. Full-bodied and rich, with flavours of milk chocolate, toffee and caramel. Balanced acidity and integrated tannins contribute to a structured and long-lasting finish. Mature, elegant and balanced port ready to drink now. …
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Price: £99.00
Stock: 8 in Stock
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Brunello di Montalcino, 1983
Luigi Cecchi
Clearance Offer - Last Bottle | Was £159 | Now £69
Brunello de Montalcino is one of Italys most famous and most expensive red wines. It is produced in the vineyards surrounding the town of Montalcino located about 70 miles (110 km) southwest of Florence in the Tuscany wine region. Brunello, roughly translated as "nice dark one" is the unofficial name of the clone of Sangiovese used in production.
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Price: £69.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
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Chateau Ausone, 1983
St Emilion Grand Cru Classe
The Château Ausone 1983 is a fascinating vintage from one of Bordeaux’s most iconic estates in the Saint-Émilion appellation. While the 1983 vintage was somewhat overshadowed by the legendary 1982, it offered its own set of unique qualities, producing wines with elegance and charm. Château Ausone, known for its limestone terroir and meticulous craftsmanship, crafted a wine in 1983 that reflects the vintage’s character while showcasing the estate’s signature style.
Wine Overview
The 1983 Château Ausone is typically composed of a blend of:
Cabernet Franc (dominant): Contributing structure, floral aromas, and herbal complexity. …
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Price: £445.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
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Chateau Cos d'Estournel, 1983
St Estephe, 2nd Growth Classification
This is a very fine 1983: Far superior on the nose to the 1988. Damson, mulberry and a touch of earth. Fine definition. Perhaps even a little mint leaf. The palate is well-defined with rounded, plummy damson fruit. Not complex but there is a vigour and charm here. Fresh acidity. Becomes quite minerally in the finish. Drinking superbly now.
Château Cos d'Estournel is a prestigious wine estate located in the Saint-Estèphe appellation of Bordeaux, France. Established in the early 19th century by Louis-Gaspard d'Estournel, the estate is renowned for its grand architectural style, including the iconic pagodas that distinguish its winery. …
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Price: £175.00
Stock: 4 in Stock
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Chateau Lynch-Bages, 1983
Pauillac 5me Cru Classe
*** 88 points Wine Journal ***
Reviews
"This has a light nose, mulberry, a touch of wild mushroom, sloe and a touch of caramel. Moderate definition. Palate is medium-bodied, quite rustic tannins, mulberry, touch of leather, the acidity a little sharp and attacking. Course, peppery finish." Neil Martin Wine Journal tasted 2009.
Château Lynch-Bages is an iconic wine estate located in the Pauillac appellation of Bordeaux, France. With a history dating back to the 18th century, the estate has established itself as one of the leading producers of exceptional red wines. Encompassing approximately 100 hectares, …
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Price: £179.00
Stock: 2 in Stock
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Chateau Raymond-Lafon, 1983
Sauternes
The 1983 Château Raymond-Lafon is an outstanding vintage for this Sauternes estate, often recognized for its elegance and excellent aging potential. Benefiting from a near-ideal growing season, this vintage showcases a rich golden hue and enticing aromas of ripe apricots, honey, dried pineapple, and a touch of candied orange peel. On the palate, it offers lush flavors of tropical fruit, caramel, and vanilla, supported by a well-integrated acidity that gives it a refreshing balance despite its luscious sweetness.
The 1983 vintage is known for producing Sauternes wines of remarkable concentration and complexity, and Château Raymond-Lafon is no exception. …
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Price: £79.95
Stock: 5 in Stock
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Chianti, 1983
S. Martino alla Palma - Villa Torrignani
Chianti, situated in Tuscany in central Italy, is home to probably the best-known and most iconic of all Italian wines. Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano are primarily made with Sangiovese grape whereas the Vernaccia grape is the basis of the white Vernaccia di San Gimignano.
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Price: £79.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
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Dolcetto, 1983
Giordano
Clearance Offer | Was £59 | Now £34
A native black grape variety of Northern Italy grown almost exclusively in the provinces of Cuneo and Alessandria in Piedmont. It is relatively easy to cultivate, although it is susceptible to fungal diseases. It ripens before Barbera and Nebbiolo and is often grown in high north-facing sites which would be unsuitable for Nebbiolo. The finest Dolcetto wines come from grapes grown on soils rich with white marls, especially those found on the right bank of the River Tauro. The wines generally are low in tannins and acidity and are usually fruity and fragrant, often with hints of almonds.
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Price: £34.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
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D'Oliveiras Madeira, 1983
Verdelho
1983 D'Oliveiras Verdelho.
Madeira is a complex, interesting wine and is made in virtually every vintage. Due to the unique estufagem aging process Madeira is one of the longest-lived wines and also improves for days after opening, but will keep, once opened, for a month and more in a decanter.
Very pale amber, dried apricots, raisins, bananas, vanilla, fantastic layers and complexity. Fresh and high acidity, again nuanced feel, refreshing, lively, intense and still manages to be refreshing, long finish.
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Price: £189.00
Stock: 20 in Stock
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Dow's, 1983
Vintage Port
The 1983 Dow's Vintage Port is a highly regarded Port wine from a classic vintage in the Douro Valley, noted for its powerful structure and elegance. This wine offers aromas of ripe blackberries, plums, and figs, with underlying hints of spice, dark chocolate, and cedar. On the palate, it is full-bodied and concentrated, showing complex layers of dark fruit flavors balanced by well-integrated tannins and refreshing acidity. The wine has a long, smooth finish with lingering notes of dried fruit, cocoa, and a touch of earthiness. Now mature, the 1983 Dow's is drinking beautifully, with further aging potential for those who prefer even more complexity. …
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Price: £99.00
Stock: 3 in Stock
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Frei Joao, 1983
Frei Joao, Bairrada
Caves S. Joao, established in 1920, became a dominant force in Portuguese wine making in the early 20th century with their houses Porta dos Cavaleiros in Dao and Frei Joao in Bairrada. Given the shifting trends in consumer preferences, Bairrada and Dao fell to obscurity in the 1990s when critical influence drove the demand for bigger, extracted, warmer climate wines. As in all things, however, what comes around goes around! Sure enough, 20 years later savvy consumers and food-conscious sommeliers are looking for finesse and freshness and heading back to Bairrada and Dao. Wines that when young had a vegetal character, …
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Price: £59.00
Stock: 12 in Stock
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Janneau, 1983
Armagnac 1983 Vintage
Includes Own Gift Box
The 1983 Janneau Armagnac is a distinguished and refined spirit that showcases the elegance and depth that comes with extended aging. Its rich, multi-layered profile makes for an exceptional gift, particularly for someone who appreciates fine spirits or has a special connection to the year 1994, such as a birthday, anniversary, or other significant event.
Tasting Notes
The nose features a complex bouquet of dried fruits, spices, vanilla, caramel, honey, oak, and smokiness. The palate is smooth and velvety, with primary flavors of dried apricots, raisins, and candied orange peel. …
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Price: £149.00
Stock: 8 in Stock
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Porta dos Cavaleiros, 1983
Porta dos Cavaleiros, Dao
Caves S. Joao, established in 1920, became a dominant force in Portuguese wine making in the early 20th century with their houses Porta dos Cavaleiros in Dao and Frei Joao in Bairrada. Given the shifting trends in consumer preferences, Bairrada and Dao fell to obscurity in the 1990s when critical influence drove the demand for bigger, extracted, warmer climate wines. As in all things, however, what comes around goes around! Sure enough, 20 years later savvy consumers and food-conscious sommeliers are looking for finesse and freshness and heading back to Bairrada and Dao. Wines that when young had a vegetal character, …
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Price: £69.00
Stock: 29 in Stock
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Ramos Pinto, 1983
Vintage Port
Library stock from Ramos Pinto
***94 Points- Wine Advocate***
The 1983 Ramos Pinto has a startling intensity with a superb and slightly evolved cherry-red colour. A notoriously intense, lively and energetic nose that gives it a masculine quality. Aromas of red fruits and of red gooseberry, cherry and plum preserves emanate from a solid structure. A strong, solid attack. Energetic and fresh on the palate with a fruity flavour and a good acidic base. Excellent integrity. Firm, elegant tannins and a long life ahead of it. A powerful and velvety finish.
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Price: £159.00
Stock: 2 in Stock
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Recioto, 1983
Lenotti
"Recioto," as in "Recioto della Valpolicella," refers to a dessert wine made from grapes that were dried on mats after picking. This process turns the grapes closer to raisins, concentrating the flavours. The wines are lovely and taste how you'd expect raisins-turned-wine to taste, rich and sweet.
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Price: £89.95
Stock: 2 in Stock
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Royal Oporto, 1983
Vintage port
From the excellent 1983 vintage the Royal Oporto has big alcohol, and very light fruit. Tones down pretty quickly and is a pleasant drink but with much warmth.
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Price: £79.95
Stock: 11 in Stock
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Taittinger, 1983
Artists Collection, Vieira da Silva Edition
In original gift box as illustrated
The Taittinger Collection Series bottles are released only in great vintages, from a selection of the year's finest cuvées. The wines are made from Chardonnay mainly from the Grands Crus of the Côte des Blancs, and Pinot Noir from Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne vineyards. The fruit is pressed in the vineyards and the first pressing is transported to the winery for fermentation, followed by a second fermentation in the bottle. Aged for five or more years on the lees, the wine acquires complexity and the fine, pinpoint bubbles characteristic of its sparkle.
The Taittinger Collection Series was conceived in the late 1970s by Claude Taittinger. …
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Price: £395.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
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Château de Fieuzal Blanc, 1983
Graves
The 1983 Château de Fieuzal Blanc is a white wine from the Pessac-Léognan appellation in Bordeaux, France. It is crafted from a blend of Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. Upon release, this wine exhibited citrus aromas complemented by buttery and brioche notes. On the palate, it was noted for its precision and finesse, offering flavors of acacia and honey.
As of now, the 1983 vintage is over four decades old. White wines from this region and era are typically best enjoyed within a few decades of their release. However, the 1983 Château de Fieuzal Blanc may likely be past its optimal drinking window, although recent reviews mention positive notes : fine oak and honey flavours with hint of lemon and nutmeg. …
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Price: £79.95
Stock: Out of Stock
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Tokaji, 1983
Tokaji Royal Aszu Essencia (Half litre, 50cl), Hungary
Situated along the southern slopes of the Zemplén Mountains, Tokaj is characterized by late springs and short growing seasons. The average temperatures are generally cool, with long, sunny summers and dry autumns. Tokaj’s soil is largely clay or loess with a volcanic substratum; vines are approximately 20 years old. The meeting of the Tisza and Bodrog rivers in Tokaj creates a mist similar to that of the fog in Sauternes. The mist encourages “botrytis cinerea,” or “noble rot,” which dries and shrivels the Furmint, Hárslevelü and Muscat grape varieties that comprise Tokaji wines, and concentrates the sugars. …
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Price: £355.00
Stock: Out of Stock
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