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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

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    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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    35 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: 9 in Stock

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    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,
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    Price: £89.00
    Stock: 1 in Stock

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    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: 2 in Stock

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    Barolo, 1983

    Marchesi di Barolo

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    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: £149.00
    Stock: 1 in Stock

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    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
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    Price: £169.00
    Stock: 1 in Stock

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    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,
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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 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

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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: £165.00
    Stock: 8 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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    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.
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    Price: £89.95
    Stock: 1 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: £69.00
    Stock: 12 in Stock

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    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.
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    Price: £79.95
    Stock: 1 in Stock

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    Graham's Port, 1983

    Vintage Port

    Graham’s 1983 Vintage Port
    A classic from one of the Douro’s most prestigious houses, the 1983 Graham’s Vintage Port exemplifies the estate’s rich, opulent house style. Now at full maturity, it offers layers of depth, complexity, and balance.

    Tasting Notes:
    The nose opens with an intense bouquet of stewed blackberries, figs, and cassis, interwoven with warm notes of cedar, liquorice, cocoa, and hints of spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and luxurious, delivering ripe dark fruit, dates, and sweet spice, supported by silky tannins and a long, elegant finish. The structure remains firm yet refined, showcasing its impressive aging potential.
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    Price: £99.00
    Stock: 9 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: 5 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: 26 in Stock

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    Ramos Pinto, 1983

    Vintage Port
    ***94 Points- Wine Advocate***
    Rewaxed

    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: 1 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: 10 in Stock

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    Taittinger, 1983

    Artists Collection, Vieira da Silva Edition
    In original gift box as illustrated

    Taittinger Collection 1983 “Vieira da Silva”

    Vintage & Artist Edition Background
    The 1983 vintage marks the origin year of Taittinger’s Collection Series, which pairs exceptional Champagnes with artwork from noted modern and contemporary artists. This edition is decorated with artwork by Maria Helena Vieira da Silva, a Portuguese-born French painter known for abstract, geometric brushstrokes—often evoking stained glass, architecture or fragmented landscapes. The “Vieira da Silva” bottle is part of a limited‐edition release, produced only in great vintages.

    Blend & Technical Details
    This Champagne is disgorged from a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay.
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    Price: £375.00
    Stock: 2 in Stock

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