November 9, 2023 - Bought 6b from Davis and Co auction 26+ years ago for 30-/b after all commissions and taxes; this is #4. Top shoulder fill. Solid cork, fully stained, a bit damp. Decanted with normal sediment for its age. Dark purple (no amber); rich mature blackcurrants, hint of olive, hint of oak; mature dark fruits that held well for an hour+ with a bit of fruit fade toward the end; very good mouthfeel. Delicious! I enjoyed this in the years shortly after purchase and then lost track of it but uncovered it recently. It is among the tastiest 40-yo red wines I've tasted; certainly glat to have two more. Stored horizontally in a dark basement with good humidity since purchase. Quality/age/price: Outstanding-.
March 9, 2023 - Medium-deep, dark garnet in color with slight clearing at the edges. Full, forward & fragrant nose of ripe fruit aromas of cherries, blackberries & plums with overtones of floral & earthy/dusty notes & classic cigar box notes of cedar & tobacco, leather, herbs, mint/anise, spices, minerals & a hint of vanilla/oak. Full bodied with very good concentration of well balanced & smooth textured, ripe fruit flavors of cherries, blackberries & black plums with herbs, spices, minerals & a hint of vanilla/oak. Long lingering smooth finish. Drinks quite well at present & at 40 years of age, it is at its peak of development although it may hold here for a few more years. However, I doubt any further development would occur with additional aging, so drink up. Fill was in lower neck; cork was stained 3/4 up but intact. An amazing wine!
June 11, 2022 - Jim's Retirement Party (Libertyville, IL): Well past its peak, nowhere near the quality level of a bottle tasted two years ago.
June 28, 2020 - In vertical. Eucalyptus and mint aromas to start with so much dense black fruit that’s aging gracefully. Layered, complex and wonderfully fresh.
November 9, 2019 - 45th Birthday Celebration (Chez Nanda): Wow, I love Forman Cabs, but have never had the '83 before. This is signature Forman with that intense tar component. Fruit is still forward and rich with plenty of structure. In a great spot now and should hold just fine for 10+ years.
November 9, 2019 - "You only turn 45 once" (Chicago, IL): Served double blind next to the 1985 LMHB. I was able to get to 1980s Napa on this bottle, from the fruit profile that was just more sweet and expressive than its French companion. I ended up thinking this was Mayacamas, but mostly it was a shot in the dark. I love the herbaceous expression coupled with all the ripe fruit. I'll add that I preferred this to the 1985 LMHB too.
April 8, 2000 - CIGAR BOX, LEATHER, AND BLACKBERRIES IN THE NOSE WITH JAMMY FRUIT AND BLACKBERRIES IN THE FLAVOR. MEDIUM TO LONG FINISH.