1983 Wine and Port Vintage
Vintage Summary and Recommendations: A short summary of the fabulous 1983 Vintage with our top recommendations 1983 Wine and Port
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 43 year old wine gift for an Anniversary or birthday.
Our Wine Expert currently recommends the following wines for this year:
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.
21 products found.
Barbaresco, 1983
Giacomo Damilano
Clearance Offer – Damaged Label 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, …
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Price: £89.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
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. …
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Price: £149.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Barolo, 1983
Marchesi di Barolo
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, …
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Price: £129.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
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
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: 5 in Stock
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: £165.00
Stock: 5 in Stock
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
Chateau Duhart Milon Rothschild, 1983
Pauillac 4th Growth Classification
The 1983 Château Duhart-Milon presents a mature and quietly elegant expression of Pauillac, offering the depth and character expected of a Fourth Growth with over four decades of evolution. In the glass, it shows a garnet-brick colour with a softened rim, signalling its well-developed maturity.
The nose is beautifully layered, opening with dried blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco, and pencil shavings—classic Pauillac hallmarks. With air, savoury notes of saddle leather, forest floor, dried herbs, and a touch of spice emerge, bringing complexity and a sense of old-world charm.
On the palate, the wine is refined and harmonious, with silky, resolved tannins and flavours of mature cassis, dried plum, earthy spice, and cigar box. …
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Price: £99.00
Stock: 11 in Stock
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: 14 in Stock
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
Chateauneuf du Pape, 1983
Domaine de Beaurenard
Domaine de Beaurenard is a southern Rhône wine estate with a lengthy family history. It is primarily known for its red Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines which comprise all of the allowable 13 grape varieties but is predominantly made from Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.
The domaine has been family-owned and operated for the last seven generations and is mentioned in records as far back as 1695, when it was known as 'Bois Renard'. This name is now given to Beaurenard's top wines – small-production Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines in both red and white expressions, made from parcels of the estate's oldest vines. …
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Price: £119.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
Chianti, 1983
Contucci
Clearance Offer - Last Bottle | Was £99 | Now £57.80
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: £57.80
Stock: 1 in Stock
Chianti, 1983
Alberto Bartali
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: £59.95
Stock: 1 in Stock
Clos des Quatre Vents, 1983
New
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
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: £69.00
Stock: 12 in Stock
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.
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Price: £79.00
Stock: 2 in Stock
Nobile di Montepulciano, 1983
Fanetti - Riserva
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: £79.00
Stock: 6 in Stock
Nobile di Montepulciano, 1983
Buracchi - Riserva
Clearance Offer - Last Bottle | Was 89 | Now £52.80
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: £52.80
Stock: 1 in Stock
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
Rosso di Montalcino, 1983
Fattoria Casale del Bosco
Very forward nose of leather and cherries, liquorice wild strawberries, ripe plums and pencil .The palate is very nice balance of sweet fruit and acidity.
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Price: £89.00
Stock: 1 in Stock
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. …
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Price: £74.95
Stock: Out of Stock