1983 CHÂTEAU MOUTON ROTHSCHILD 1983

(05-2015) Dark crimson and rather luxurious-looking. Very polished and sumptuous – beautifully-knit nose. Very polished tannins and quite a bit of tannin tucked away on the end. Not heavy but a class act. First-growth quality confirmed. Super fresh and clean on the finish. At peak now. Not that concentrated.

(03-1998)

(10-1994) Super-refined 1983 Bordeaux with an excellent deep ruby color and intense cigar-box, plum and berry aromas and flavors; there's even a hint of mint. It's full-bodied but very reserved in style with fine tannins and a seductively long finish.

(01-1999) Wonderful to have a chance of adding to my experience of the '83 clarets, as I think I've now tasted all first and second growths apart from Lafite. Colour is a solid, dark ruby. The nose offers up gorgeous scents of rich blackcurrant with lovely complexity of mocha coffee, pencil-shavings and spice. There's a distinct aroma of black olive that adds an edge. The palate is medium-bodied and very graceful, with a warmth of black fruits and sweet oak, easy tannins and really tremendous length. The whole picture is very subtle and multi-layered. This is a truly lovely wine, whose charms reveal themselves more slowly than the Monte Bello.

(10-1990) The classic Mouton lead-pencil, cedary nose has begun to emerge. This medium dark ruby, elegant, medium-bodied wine will never be a great or legendary Mouton. The flavors are ripe and moderately rich. With good depth and some firm tannins to resolve, this offering from Mouton is bigger and richer than the 1981, 1979, or 1978. Austere by the standards of Mouton and the vintage, the 1983 resembles the chateau's fine 1966. Anticipated maturity: Now-2015.