1983 vintage ports are now considered great classic, concentrated, rich and potent wines. It was a general declaration of vintage, with 10 major shippers declaring this year. In youth the wines were powerful yet austere, lacking the showy opulence of the 85s. However, in bottle they have developed marvelously, with the best examples being complex and harmonious. These are excellent value-for-money ports, and would make a brilliant 36 year old wine gift for a birthday or anniversary.