1983s, Thu 25 May 2023, at B&F

What happened?
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winesecretary
Fonseca 1980
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Re: 1983s, Thu 25 May 2023, at B&F

Post by winesecretary »

Firstly, my most sincere thanks to Tom for originating this tasting and for supplying most of the wines from his own cellar. Secondly my thanks to Alex for his logistical assistance to Tom. Thirdly my thanks to my convivial and witty fellow guests for making some who is a bit harried at the moment forget his cares for a couple of hours.

1983 is not on this showing a classic year for vintage port. Despite the admirable storage and provenance many of the wines were either marred or simply not very good.

I thoroughly enjoyed the process of coming to this conclusion, however, which just goes to show.
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nac
Fonseca 1980
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Re: 1983s, Thu 25 May 2023, at B&F

Post by nac »

Thanks also to Tom & Alex.

My thoughts about the 83s (that we had) align with George's. Some duff bottles; too many disappointing wines; a few good, but not great, wines; won't be rushing out to buy any unless real bargains. Will post my very brief notes.
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jdaw1
Cockburn 1851
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Re: 1983s, Thu 25 May 2023, at B&F

Post by jdaw1 »

Thank you to Tom + Alex.

Initially, I didn’t join this tasting, because I don’t rate ’83s. Then I decided that thirst was important, so — late — joined. And ’83s are still poor. The best are good but not great; most are not VP grade.
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jdaw1
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Re: 1983s, Thu 25 May 2023, at B&F

Post by jdaw1 »

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jdaw1
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Re: 1983s, Thu 25 May 2023, at B&F

Post by jdaw1 »

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Lucas S
Cheap Ruby
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Re: 1983s, Thu 25 May 2023, at B&F

Post by Lucas S »

Wow that's a strong result for SW and QH, will have to try some.

Shame RP83 wasn't served, iirc it has done well in the past.
winesecretary
Fonseca 1980
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Re: 1983s, Thu 25 May 2023, at B&F

Post by winesecretary »

In an idle moment I have just looked up Mayson’s list on Decanter.com which is basically our top six plus D, W, and T where he must have had better bottles.
Justin K
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Re: 1983s, Thu 25 May 2023, at B&F

Post by Justin K »

Thanks Tom and Alex. On looking back at the 30 year tasting back in December 2013 it’s like déja vu! No outstanding Ports so maybe we just have to write off that year. One or two might be going through a dumb phase but on balance I think many are past it. A few ranked as good but no very good rankings from me (one 8, 4 x 7’s and 4 x 6’s no 5’s a couple of 4’s, 3’s and 1 x 2 were my points out of 10). I’m not overstocked with 83’s, DG, and won’t be buying anymore.
M.Charlton
Taylor’s LBV
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Re: 1983s, Thu 25 May 2023, at B&F

Post by M.Charlton »

My thanks to Tom and to Alex for organising this one, and especially to Tom for providing so many of the Ports. It was a shame that most of the wines were less than good, particularly so in the case of the NN. However, it was good to see how well the "second label" wines stood up relative to their bigger siblings!
Andy Velebil
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Re: 1983s, Thu 25 May 2023, at B&F

Post by Andy Velebil »

Really nice to read people’s impressions of this vintage. I would agree, it’s a vintage that didn’t turn out so great for many producers. While I have my own thoughts, I’d love to sit down with a few of the “old guard” and ask what caused the early 80’s to be such a mine field. I’m sure there is no one reason, but I’d love to get a better overall reason.
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