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1983 Wine and Port Vintage

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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    27 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: 4 in Stock

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    Messias, 1983

    Quinta Do Cachao Vintage Port

    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: £89.00
    Stock: 1 in Stock

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    Barolo, 1983

    Giordano

    Barolo is known as the 'king of wines' and is made from the Nebbiolo grape. Heady aromas of rose, leather, vanilla, cherry, pepper, cranberry, strawberry. Fruits are perfectly knitted with the tannins and acidity. It's a powerful wine but remarkably subtle. Don't underestimate it and certainly serve it with food to show at it's best. Nebbiolo has naturally high tannins and acidity, so it will take on full-flavoured, rich foods no problem at all.
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    Price: £149.00
    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 Batailley, 1983

    Pauillac 5th Growth Classification

    Château Batailley, a fifth-growth estate in Bordeaux's Pauillac appellation, has a longstanding reputation for producing robust and age-worthy wines. The 1983 vintage, while overshadowed by the exceptional 1982, has matured gracefully over the decades, offering a unique tasting experience for enthusiasts of classic Bordeaux.​

    The 1983 growing season presented challenges, including hot and humid weather that led to overripe grapes and the development of rot. However, a sunny autumn provided ideal harvesting conditions, resulting in generous and intensely fruity wines that developed more quickly than their 1982 counterparts.
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    Price: £66.00
    Stock: 1 in Stock

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    Chateau Belgrave, 1983

    Haut-Medoc, 5th Growth Classification

    1983 Château Belgrave – A Well-Aged Bordeaux with Classic Character
    The 1983 Château Belgrave comes from a vintage that experienced a warm, dry summer followed by rain at harvest, leading to some variability across Bordeaux. As a fifth-growth estate in the Haut-Médoc, Château Belgrave is known for producing structured and elegant wines, primarily composed of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, along with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The 1983 vintage initially showed good depth and tannic structure, making it a candidate for long-term aging.

    Now at over 40 years old, a well-preserved bottle of 1983 Château Belgrave will have evolved into a softer,
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    Price: £49.95
    Stock: 2 in Stock

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    Chateau Chasse Spleen, 1983

    Moulis en Medoc

    Château Chasse-Spleen, a distinguished estate in Bordeaux's Moulis-en-Médoc appellation, has a storied history of producing wines that embody the elegance and complexity characteristic of the region. The 1983 vintage, now approaching four decades of maturity, offers a unique opportunity to experience the evolution of this esteemed estate's offerings.​


    Tasting Profile
    With the passage of time, the 1983 Château Chasse-Spleen has developed a nuanced profile. Tasting notes from 2006 describe the wine as having a lovely faded blackcurrant nose with an earthy background. On the palate, it presents as round, spicy, and slightly earthy, leading to a nice long warm finish.
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    Price: £59.00
    Stock: 8 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: 3 in Stock

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    Chateau d'Issan, 1983

    Cantenac (Margaux) 3me cru classe

    The 1983 Château d'Issan is a beautifully aged Third Growth Margaux, offering a refined and elegant expression of this historic estate. The 1983 vintage in Bordeaux was highly regarded, particularly in the Margaux appellation, where wines developed excellent structure and longevity. Now, after over 40 years of aging, this wine presents a fascinating opportunity for collectors and lovers of mature Bordeaux.

    With a deep garnet color and amber hues, the wine showcases a complex bouquet of red and black currants, subtle bergamot, and mint, with tertiary notes of cedar and tobacco. The palate remains medium-bodied and well-balanced, with softened tannins and a lingering, refined finish.
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    Price: £99.00
    Stock: 2 in Stock

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    Chateau Larmande, 1983

    Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, Bordeaux
    Half Bottle 37.5cl

    ​Château Larmande, located in the Saint-Émilion appellation of Bordeaux, is one of the region's oldest estates, with a history dating back to 1585. The 1983 vintage, now over four decades old, offers a unique opportunity to experience a mature expression of this Grand Cru Classé wine.​

    Tasting Notes

    Specific tasting notes for the 1983 Château Larmande are limited. However, given its age, it's plausible that the wine exhibits tertiary aromas such as leather, tobacco, and earthy notes, with softened tannins and a harmonious palate. It's important to note that individual bottle conditions can vary, especially with wines of this age.
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    Price: £49.95
    Stock: 15 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: 4 in Stock

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    Clos des Quatre Vents, 1983

    Margaux

    The 1983 Clos des Quatre Vents from the Margaux appellation is a mature Bordeaux wine that has developed complex characteristics over the decades.

    Tasting Notes:
    Deep garnet with a brick-red rim. A bouquet of dried fruits such as prunes and figs, interwoven with tertiary notes of leather, tobacco, and forest floor. Subtle hints of cedar and spice add to its complexity. Medium bodied palate with softened tannins, offering flavours of stewed blackberries, earthy undertones, and a touch of savoury minerality. The finish is smooth, with lingering notes of dried herbs and a hint of mocha.
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    Price: £89.95
    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: 19 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: 6 in Stock

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    Nobile di Montepulciano, 1983

    Fassati
    Clearance Offer - Last Bottle | Was £99 | Now £75

    Nobile di Montepulciano is a red wine with a Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita status produced in the vineyards surrounding the town of Montepulciano, Italy. The wine is made primarily from the Sangiovese grape varietal (known locally as Prugnolo gentile) (minimum 70%), blended with Canaiolo Nero (10%–20%) and small amounts of other local varieties such as Mammolo. The wine is aged for 2 years (at least 1 year in oak barrels); three years if it is a riserva.
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    Price: £75.00
    Stock: 1 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

    Enoteca del Borgo - Lonardi Giuseppe
    Sweet Red Wine

    "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 flavors. The wines are lovely and taste how you'd expect raisins-turned-wine to taste, rich and sweet.
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    Price: £99.00
    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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    Taylor Fladgate, 1983

    Vintage Port

    ​The 1983 Taylor's Vintage Port is a distinguished example from one of the most esteemed Port houses, reflecting the unique characteristics of that year's growing season. The winter of 1982/83 was notably cold, with February bringing rare snowfall to Pinhão, a phenomenon not seen in two decades. Despite a cold August, a hot September provided favorable conditions for the harvest, which commenced on October 3rd. Winemakers at the time noted satisfactory color extraction and exceptionally aromatic musts. ​


    Tasting Notes:

    Appearance: Deep cherry, burgundy color, fading at the rim. ​

    Aroma: Rich, jammy harmonious fruit with notes of raisin, chocolate, and plum jam.
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    Price: £99.00
    Stock: Out of Stock

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