By continuing to browse this site, you consent to the use of cookies as detailed in our Privacy Policy Dismiss

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.
     

    Shop with Confidence

    All of our premium wine gifts are available for fast, immediate delivery directly from our own cellars. With no minimum order required—buy just one bottle or as many as you like!

    • Free UK standard delivery on all orders over £100
    • Complimentary tasting notes and personalized gift messages—add yours at checkout
    • Three-month replacement guarantee for complete peace of mind
    • Choose from our exclusive range of luxury gift boxes
    • Award-winning retailer: IWC Fortified Wine Merchant of the Year (2024, 2022, 2021)
    • 5-Star Trusted Shops rating for exceptional customer satisfaction

    22 products found.

    Barbaresco, 1983

    Giacomo Damilano
    Clearance Offer | damaged Label as pictured | Was £139 | Now £89

    1983 Barbaresco – Giacomo Damilano (Piedmont, Italy)

    A fully mature, classical Barbaresco that favours perfume and finesse. Brick-garnet with a broad tawny rim, it opens on dried cherry and cranberry, rose petal and violet, with cedar, sweet tobacco and leather, plus hints of orange peel, tea leaf and a gentle tar/balsamic lift. Mid-weight and savoury on the palate: lively, old-world acidity carries red-cherry fruit, dried herbs and subtle undergrowth; tannins are fine and resolved, the finish tapering with cherry skin, cedar spice and dried flowers.

    Producer note: The Damilano family is among the Langhe’s historic names,
    more >>>

    Price: £89.00
    Stock: 1 in Stock

    Go to Product details

    Barolo, 1983

    Umberto Fiore

    1983 Barolo – Umberto Fiore (Piedmont, Italy)

    A fully mature, classical Barolo that trades power for perfume and savoury finesse. Brick-garnet with a broad tawny rim, it opens on dried cherry and cranberry, rose petal and violet, with cedar, leather and sweet tobacco, plus hints of orange peel, tea leaf and a gentle tar/balsamic lift. Mid-weight and silken on the palate: lively, old-world acidity carries red-cherry fruit, dried herbs and subtle undergrowth; tannins are fine and resolved, the finish tapering with cherry skin, cedar spice and dried flowers.

    Producer note: Umberto Fiore is a historic Langhe house/bottler long associated with traditional Nebbiolo raised in large old casks—elegance, aromatic lift and graceful ageing.
    more >>>

    Price: £149.00
    Stock: 2 in Stock

    Go to Product details

    Barolo, 1983

    Marchesi di Barolo

    ChatGPT said:

    1983 Barolo – Marchesi di Barolo (Piedmont, Italy)

    A fully mature, classical Barolo that favours perfume and savoury finesse. Brick-garnet with a broad tawny rim, it opens on dried cherry and cranberry, rose petal and violet, with cedar, leather and sweet tobacco, plus hints of orange peel, tea leaf and a gentle tar/balsamic lift. Mid-weight and silken on the palate: lively, old-world acidity carries red-cherry fruit, dried herbs and subtle undergrowth; tannins are fine and resolved. The finish is long and tapering with cherry skin, cedar spice and dried flowers.

    Producer note: Marchesi di Barolo is one of the Langhe’s landmark houses,
    more >>>

    Price: £149.00
    Stock: 1 in Stock

    Go to Product details

    Brunello di Montalcino, 1983

    Fattoria Casale del Bosco

    1983 Brunello di Montalcino – Fattoria Casale del Bosco (Tuscany, Italy)

    A fully mature, classical Brunello showing perfume and savoury finesse. Brick-garnet with a broad tawny rim, it opens on dried cherry and cranberry, rose petal and violet, cedar and sweet tobacco, with hints of orange peel, black tea, porcini and a gentle balsamic/underbrush note. Mid-weight and silken on the palate: lively, old-school acidity carries red-cherry fruit, dried herbs and subtle leather; tannins are fine and resolved. The finish is long and tapering with cherry skin, cedar spice and dried flowers.

    Producer
    more >>>

    Price: £169.00
    Stock: 1 in Stock

    Go to Product details

    Castelrosso, 1983

    Bartocci Bombini

    1983 Castelrosso – Bartocci Bombini (Italy)

    A fully mature, old-school Italian red that favours perfume and savoury finesse over power. Brick-garnet with a broad tawny rim, it opens on dried cherry and cranberry, rose petal, cedar and sweet tobacco, with hints of orange peel, tea leaf and a gentle balsamic/underbrush note. Mid-weight and silken on the palate: lively, old-world acidity carries red-cherry fruit, dried herbs and subtle leather; tannins are fine and resolved. The finish is long and tapering with cherry skin, cedar spice and dried flowers.

    Producer note: Bottled by Bartocci Bombini in a traditional style,
    more >>>

    Price: £69.00
    Stock: 1 in Stock

    Go to Product details

    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.
    more >>>

    Price: £445.00
    Stock: 1 in Stock

    Go to Product details

    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.
    more >>>

    Price: £59.00
    Stock: 5 in Stock

    Go to Product details

    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.
    more >>>

    Price: £165.00
    Stock: 8 in Stock

    Go to Product details

    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.
    more >>>

    Price: £99.00
    Stock: 2 in Stock

    Go to Product details

    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.
    more >>>

    Price: £49.95
    Stock: 15 in Stock

    Go to Product details

    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,
    more >>>

    Price: £179.00
    Stock: 2 in Stock

    Go to Product details

    Chianti, 1983

    Castello di Rencine - Riserva

    1983 Chianti – Castello di Rencine, Riserva (Tuscany, Italy)

    A fully mature, classically styled Chianti Riserva that favours perfume and savoury finesse. Brick-garnet with a broad tawny rim, it opens on dried cherry and amarena, rose petal, cedar and sweet tobacco, with touches of orange peel, tea leaf and gentle balsamic/underbrush. Mid-weight and silken on the palate: lively, old-school acidity carries savoury red-cherry fruit, dried herbs and subtle leather; tannins are fine and resolved. The finish is long and tapering with cherry skin, cedar spice and dried flowers.

    Producer note: Castello di Rencine sits in Gaiole/Chianti Classico hills, where altitude and marl/galestro soils favour elegant, aromatic Sangiovese.
    more >>>

    Price: £89.95
    Stock: 1 in Stock

    Go to Product details

    Chianti, 1983

    San Felice

    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.
    more >>>

    Price: £99.00
    Stock: 1 in Stock

    Go to Product details

    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.
    more >>>

    Price: £89.95
    Stock: 1 in Stock

    Go to Product details

    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,
    more >>>

    Price: £69.00
    Stock: 12 in Stock

    Go to Product details

    Gattinara, 1983

    Travaglini

    Gattinara is a red Italian wine produced from Nebbiolo grapes grown within the boundaries of the commune of Gattinara which is located in the hills in the north of the province of Vercelli, northwest of Novara in the Piedmont region. The wine is made from a minimum of 90% Nebbiolo grapes and is renowned for its longevity. Notes: a meaty, chunky wine with a subtle, clean nose. Hints of tar and bark, with undertones of cherries and rose petals. Light tannins.
    more >>>

    Price: £79.95
    Stock: 1 in Stock

    Go to Product details

    Nobile di Montepulciano, 1983

    Fattorie del Cerro
    Clearance Offer Was £69 Special Offer £39

    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.
    more >>>

    Price: £39.00
    Stock: 1 in Stock

    Go to Product details

    Nobile di Montepulciano, 1983

    Poggio alla Sala

    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.
    more >>>

    Price: £79.00
    Stock: 8 in Stock

    Go to Product details

    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,
    more >>>

    Price: £69.00
    Stock: 26 in Stock

    Go to Product details

    Volnay, 1983

    Dufouleur

    Dufouleur Père & Fils is a long-established Burgundy house based in Nuits-St-Georges, known for traditional, structured wines sourced from across the Côte d’Or. Their Volnay reflects the commune’s reputation for finesse and perfume rather than sheer power. The 1983 vintage was uneven in Burgundy, but the Côte de Beaune fared relatively well, producing age-worthy reds.

    Brick-garnet with orange at the rim. Aromas of dried cherry, rose petal, leather, and forest floor, with a faint gamey edge. The palate is light, smooth, and resolved, showing earthy mushroom tones, gentle spice, and a soft, savoury finish.
    more >>>

    Price: £74.95
    Stock: 1 in Stock

    Go to Product details

    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.
    more >>>

    Price: £66.00
    Stock: Out of Stock

    Go to Product details

    Chateau St. Jean de Beard, 1983

    Saint- Emilion Grand Cru-

    A family-run Saint-Émilion estate still in production today, classed as Grand Cru, making Merlot-dominant wines in a traditional style.

    Brick-garnet with amber rim. Mature aromas of dried plum, leather, cedar, and earthy spice. Palate is smooth, with mellow tannins, dried fruit, and a savoury, tapering finish. Fully evolved, showing the gentle character of aged right-bank Bordeaux.
    more >>>

    Price: £59.95
    Stock: Out of Stock

    Go to Product details