12x Bordeaux 1983 vs 1993: All wines tasted single blind. Not decanted. As anticipated, the 1983 vintage prevailed in our comparative tasting, scoring 8 to 2 wins against the 1993 vintage, with two ties. The structured, classic ’83s exhibited greater depth and harmony compared to the ‘93s, which tended to be simpler, sometimes slightly green and dry, or at their best, fresh and light. However, in both vintages, aside from a few notable labels, many wines were evidently beyond their peak. The standout was, unsurprisingly, the Margaux (94pts). Tasting the some of the same ’83s a second time a few days later with decanting showed a marked improvement, highlighting the need of aeration.
TN: The nose is characterized by some graphite but lacks expressive depth and complexity. On the palate, it tends slightly green, drying towards the finish. The flavor profile is not particularly precise, medium-complex with notes of darker red berries and minerality. Overall, it’s a bit weak but without notable faults, earning a score of 88pts. The 1983 (94pts) easily wins the duel.
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Bordeaux 1983 vs 1993 face-off: Black coffee, darker cherry and blueberry fruit with decent ripeness. Leather and only fine layers of aging notes. Greenish flavors and somewhat unripe fruit on the palate, otherwise quite structured even if with mouthcoating tannin.
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Exactly my first bottle of First Growths, enjoyed on my 30th birthday - the same vintage as my age. Dark ruby red in colour with purple reflection. It is on her decline but still a richly fruit wine. Berries, tobacco, earth and forest in the aromas. Medium-bodied, completely soften tannins, well balance of ripeness and sweetness. Round and sexy, yet not clear and bright anymore. Pop the cork before it is too old. Personally, this not-so-excellent vintage and somewhat aged Margaux has me looking forward to next bottle of 1er Cru Classé.
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A well made wine despite a challenging year. Pronounced nose of vanilla, violet, toast, black fruits. Medium+ acidity and medium tannin. Tannin is integrated and fine. Not sure if it will improve further but best to drink up.
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Good ullage. Deep garnet color with light brown-orange rim. Complex nose that evolved over two hours. Initially rich earthy aromas with moist tobacco and dark fruit followed by intense cedar. Nicely balanced with a moderately long finish. Surprisingly good for an off vintage.
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12/28/2023 - Cailles wrote: 88 Points
12x Bordeaux 1983 vs 1993: All wines tasted single blind. Not decanted. As anticipated, the 1983 vintage prevailed in our comparative tasting, scoring 8 to 2 wins against the 1993 vintage, with two ties. The structured, classic ’83s exhibited greater depth and harmony compared to the ‘93s, which tended to be simpler, sometimes slightly green and dry, or at their best, fresh and light. However, in both vintages, aside from a few notable labels, many wines were evidently beyond their peak. The standout was, unsurprisingly, the Margaux (94pts). Tasting the some of the same ’83s a second time a few days later with decanting showed a marked improvement, highlighting the need of aeration.
TN: The nose is characterized by some graphite but lacks expressive depth and complexity. On the palate, it tends slightly green, drying towards the finish. The flavor profile is not particularly precise, medium-complex with notes of darker red berries and minerality. Overall, it’s a bit weak but without notable faults, earning a score of 88pts. The 1983 (94pts) easily wins the duel.
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11/20/2023 - sirpat00 wrote: 89 Points
Bordeaux 1983 vs 1993 face-off: Black coffee, darker cherry and blueberry fruit with decent ripeness. Leather and only fine layers of aging notes. Greenish flavors and somewhat unripe fruit on the palate, otherwise quite structured even if with mouthcoating tannin.
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10/12/2023 - Deyue wrote: 93 Points
Exactly my first bottle of First Growths, enjoyed on my 30th birthday - the same vintage as my age. Dark ruby red in colour with purple reflection. It is on her decline but still a richly fruit wine. Berries, tobacco, earth and forest in the aromas. Medium-bodied, completely soften tannins, well balance of ripeness and sweetness. Round and sexy, yet not clear and bright anymore. Pop the cork before it is too old. Personally, this not-so-excellent vintage and somewhat aged Margaux has me looking forward to next bottle of 1er Cru Classé.
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8/28/2023 - Sean Tay Likes this wine: 94 Points
A well made wine despite a challenging year. Pronounced nose of vanilla, violet, toast, black fruits. Medium+ acidity and medium tannin. Tannin is integrated and fine. Not sure if it will improve further but best to drink up.
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6/15/2023 - DH90 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Good ullage. Deep garnet color with light brown-orange rim. Complex nose that evolved over two hours. Initially rich earthy aromas with moist tobacco and dark fruit followed by intense cedar. Nicely balanced with a moderately long finish. Surprisingly good for an off vintage.
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