1983 Taylor's Vintage Port

An outstanding port scoring 94/100 Parker Points.

This house must certainly be the Latour of Portugal. Their ports are remarkably backward yet still impressive when young. Of all the vintage ports, those of Taylor need the longest time to mature and even when fully mature seem to have an inner strength and firmness that keep them going for decades.

Tasting Notes

Colour

Deep cherry, burgundy colour, fading at the rim.

Nose

Rich, jammy harmonious fruit. Stylish, aromatic, concentrated fruit flavours.

Palate

Raisin, chocolate; plum jam. Medium-full bodied. Rounded tannins. Complex, fleshy wine. The 1983 is wonderfully aromatic and so perfumed (a characteristic of this charming vintage), yet powerful, long and deep on the palate.

94 points Wine Advocate

 The 1983 Vintage Port is up for a status check. It is in a pretty good place now. It's been as hard as nails over the years. Not anymore. With softened tannins and a medley of old Port flavors on the finish, this is both sensual and delicious, with velvety texture and an irresistible finish. It doesn't have that hard edge any more, but it does wake up and become more intense with some air. At least from this bottle, it comes together rather promptly and drinks well. It's lacking just a bit of firmness, but its complex flavors and general demeanor make it rather sexy. The lingering finish seals the deal. It can keep going for quite some time—it is Port and they tend not to drop off the table if well stored—but this is a nice time to dive in. (MS)  (12/2015)

Jancis Robinson

 Mid tawny. A smoky, minerally nose with restrained, dried red fruit and layers of incense and spices that emerge. Demands attention to see its qualities. Lots of fruit density to balance the still-firm tannins, typical of the house style. Well-integrated finish with good length. A very fine 1983. 18/20 points (TJ)  (9/2020)

Wine Spectator

 Taylor is always closed and tight when young and this is no exception. Deep ruby-purple, ripe raisin and violet aromas, full-bodied, with sweet raisin and grape flavors, a lovely balance of full tannins and an explosion of fruit on the finish. (JS, Web-1989) 

K&L Notes

Four stars from Michael Broadbent: "At best correct, lovely, delicious and classic, showing well. Better than most '83s. Last tasted Oct 2006." (Micheal Broadbent's Pocket Vintage Wine Companion)

The Vintage

The winter of 1982/3 was marked by extreme cold weather in February, when snow fell in Pinhão for the first time in twenty years. Poor flowering in many vineyards and overall an unusually cold year, including the month of August. However, September was hot.

Please Note

A collector's item! We believe this wine to be wonderful - however, as with all aged wines, it comes with a 'Buyers be aware' clause, and some labels may not be perfect. If you have any queries, please just drop us an email or give us a call!

Specifications