1983 Vintage: General Appreciation
Perhaps the most controversial vintage of modern times with some commentators writing-off the vintage as a whole and others believing the vintage to have serious merit. My own experiences have been uneven to say the least. I have had some top Grand Crus which were simply disjointed and where I felt there was no chance for them, no matter how long I waited. The early part of the season was difficult with a late spring but a Réasonably hot summer. September brought about considerable rain but then the sun came again just before the harvest and some growers ended with much rotten fruit wheRéas, those who picked late and were highly selective fared better.
Red Wines
With the 83’s it is even harder to generalise than normal and the best red’s (though all too few I suspect) have a level of richness and concentration with a tannic structure giving them some aging potential. Though, in truth many have dried out now so being selective is the key.
White Wines
The whites in general were less uneven and to my mind did better in the main. They were richly fruited with a level of concentration matched with good acidity though by now only a handful of the very top wines will be showing well now.

 

Best Red Wines of the Vintage

Red Wines of the Vintage
Gevrey Chambertin: Chambertin (Rousseau), Chambertin Clos de Bèze (Rousseau), Gevrey Chambertin Clos Saint Jacques (Rousseau)Morey Saint Denis: Clos de Tart (Mommessin)

Chambolle Musigny: Bonnes Mares (Clair Daü), Bonnes Mares (Groffier), Musigny Blanc (Vogüé)

Vosne Romanée: Richebourg (DRC)

Aloxe Corton:

Volnay: Volnay Champans (de Montille)

 

Best White Wines of the Vintage

White Wines of the Vintage
Corton/Pernand Vergelesses: Corton Charlemagne (Bonneau du Martray)Puligny Montrachet: Bienvenues Batard Montrachet (Leflaive), Chevalier Montrachet (Bouchard), Chevalier Montrachet (Leflaive), Montrachet (Jadot), Montrachet (Marquis de Laguiche/Drouhin)

Chassagne Montrachet: Montrachet (Ramonet)