94/100
4.5 Stars
Huon Hooke
(magnum) This has matured beautifully and is now in its peak of drinking - at least from the magnum format. The colour is still deep and dark; the bouquet is very complex, with roasting-pan, chocolate/mocha and raisin aromas with a trace of crushed-ant. It's very intense and powerful, and the tannins have mellowed out beautifully. It's amazing: I remember this as a very tannic youngster. The wine is now marvellous drinking. But you have to like the style: it is obvious that the wine was very oaky in youth.
Tasted: 19/08/2015
Drink: 2015 to 2023
92 Points Robert Parker
The earliest harvest on record at Penfolds, the 1983 vintage was characterized by devastating bush fires, followed by enormous flooding in March. A blend of 94% Shiraz and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine has a surprisingly low pH (3.41) for a Grange, with an amazing 7.1 grams of acid per liter. The wine still shows considerable tannin in its flavors, but enormously powerful, rich, high acid characteristics. It is somewhat of a paradox to taste. Five years ago, it was exhibiting huge, powerful, concentrated flavors, but also high acid and high tannin. The wine seems very youthful, very backward, and still in need of at least another 4-5 years of cellaring. Whether it will all come together in a seamless classic remains open to conjecture. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020.
Source: Robert Parker (eRobertParker.com) by Robert M. Parker, Jr. January, 2002
92 Points Robert Parker
Production: 7,950 cases Blend: 94% Shiraz/6% Cabernet Sauvignon
Source: Robert Parker (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) by Robert M. Parker, Jr. August, 1995
myeatts
An amazingly concentrated wine! We opened the 1983 for a dinner party last night. What a hit! Beautiful nose and color, intense in flavor (jammy). While I have tasted previously, I believe this wine to be at the top of its game now.
July, 2008
Wine Diamond
Find my in depth comments on this vintage,in my review on the 1996 Grange. A singularly individual Grange!
Jeremy Oliver awards the 1983 96 pts.
Cheers W.D.
March, 2008
note: this bottle may seep a bit during shipping, which is normal for older or ullaged bottles