A legendary vintage from one of Bordeauxs most iconic First Growths, Chteau Margaux 1983 is widely regarded as the benchmark wine of the year with many considering it superior to the celebrated 1982 in Margaux itself. Now fully mature, it reveals a beautifully evolved bouquet of sweet cassis, violets, cigar box and subtle savoury nuances. The palate remains structured and powerful yet remarkably fresh, with textured fruit, melted tannins and impressive length. Rich, fragrant and classically proportioned, it balances depth with elegance in true Margaux style.

James Suckling | JS 98
Published: Jun 12, 2016

This has always been said to be the best wine of the 1983 vintage in Bordeaux because the appellation of Margaux performed slightly better in 1983 than in the legendary 1982 vintage. It certainly is more structured than the 1982 Margaux. It is incredibly fresh and clean still. It’s full-bodied and tannic, structured and powerful yet shows such balance and length. Decant three hours before serving.

Decanter |D 98
Published: Jul 5, 2018
Drink: 2018-2040

Gorgeous as ever, even if the 1982 is standing up a little more strongly today. This is still full of tannins, rich and textured fruit and lilting freshness, fragrant, concentrated and generous. And the yield, if you can believe it, was 67hl/h. The release price of this 1983 was 170 francs, as was the 1982. 4% Cabernet Franc rounds out the blend. Paul Pontallier’s first vintage – although he also oversaw the ageing and bottling of the 1982. His thesis, by the way, was on oak ageing, and this is 100% new oak.
Closure: Natural Cork
Alcohol: 12.50%
Body: Full
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Merlot 6% Petit Verdot

The Wine Advocate | RP 97
Published: Dec 21, 2023
Drink: 2003-2033

One of the wines I opened to celebrate the end of harvest in Burgundy this year was a bottle of the 1983 Chteau Margaux, and I was blessed with a perfect cork, something that isn’t a given with this vintage. Offering up beautiful aromas of sweet cassis, cigar box, petroleum jelly and violets, it’s medium to full-bodied, deep and enveloping, with a fleshy core of fruit, melted tannins and a long, aromatic finish. Fully mature today, now is a great time to open bottles.

Jancis Robinson |JR 17.5
Published: May 12, 2024

Full bottle 1,343 g. No alcohol on the label.
Mid garnet with a shaded rust rim (very much deeper than the Ch Siran 1983 opened alongside). Still quite reticent on the nose just after opening but the bouquet developed to be followed by something both savoury and delicate on the palate. Lovely sweet fruit on the palate and admirable persistence. But the fruit is starting to fade just a little.(JR)

Chateau-margaux.com

1983 Vintage
The spectacular success of the Margaux appellation in this vintage partly remains an enigma, which goes to show how limited our knowledge is about what makes a vintage successful It would appear that the stormy rain showers in August were less heavy in Margaux than in other regions around Bordeaux. The 1983 Chteau Margaux is a very fine wine, that certain tasters find better than the 1982 vintage. We have followed this pair of vintages since the beginning with curiosity and sheer pleasure without ever making a definitive judgment as to their respective qualities. Over the years, one tasted better than the other and vice versa Today, the 1983 is certainly one of the most classic Chteau Margaux of the last forty years. The bouquet has developed well, it has become rich, complex and mature. On the palate, the impression remains of great power. balanced by remarkable freshness. We are starting to detect some variability among the bottles, but the magnums are consistently remarkable (October 2018)

Climate
After a very rainy spring, the month of June was hot and dry, making excellent conditions for the flowering. The summer was hot and humid, almost tropical, thus causing potential risks of disease. Then, as from the 10th September, very fine hot and sunny weather set in, helping the grapes to reach excellent ripeness levels. (The picking began on 29th September)