1983 Mouton (Bordeaux Superieur)

Dark crimson and rather luxurious-looking. Very polished and sumptuous – beautifully-knit nose. Very polished tannins and quite a bit of tannin tucked away on the end. Not heavy but a class act. First-growth quality confirmed. Super fresh and clean on the finish. At peak now. Not that concentrated. (JR)

(75% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, 8% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot; ph 3.61; IPT 53; 12.1% alcohol; 90% new oak): Deep, saturated ruby-red with a hint of garnet at the rim. Floral nose offers aromas of red cherry, orange rind, cedar and aromatic herbs. Big, dense and concentrated, with ripe red cherry and plum flavors complemented by underbrush, sweet pipe tobacco and mint. Finishes long, sweet and saline, with a very classic, refined mouth feel. A very underrated vintage for Mouton, the 1983 has had to live under the shadow of the much more famous 1982. My latest sample was devoid of the green notes that some previous bottles of the '83 have shown. (IA)

Tasted single blind at the Fine Wine Experience horizontal in London. A deep garnet core with a thin tawny rim. The nose is a little lean compared to some of the other wines, slightly tinny but coalesces returning to the glass after twenty minutes, building some gorgeous tobacco and graphite scents with hints of cooked meat. The palate is high-toned on the entry, a little tarry with a smooth, almost creamy texture. (NM)