TAYLOR FLADGATE Vintage Port 1983 Bottle

Description

The 1983 Vintage Port is a beautifully expressed wine that has evolved significantly over the years, earning a commendable 94 points from The Wine Advocate. Mark Squires notes its transition from a once austere profile to a sensual and delicious wine, now possessing softened tannins and a medley of classic Port flavours that contribute to its velvety texture and irresistible finish. Jancis Robinson awarded it 18 points, highlighting its mid tawny colour and smoky, minerally nose, which reveals restrained dried red fruits and layers of incense with time. This vintage showcases impressive fruit density balanced against still-firm tannins and concludes with a well-integrated, lengthy finish. Ready to enjoy now, it promises continued pleasure for years, making it an exciting choice for enthusiasts.

*****

THE WINE ADVOCATE Rating: 94 points
Drink Date: 2015 - 2035
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. - Mark Squires.

JANCIS ROBINSON 18 points
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. (TJ)