Wine Spectator

Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider

Fully developed, and probably just a bit on the other side of maturity as the wine is a bit fading, the perfume, with its truffle, dried flower, leafy herb, tobacco leaf, and earthy cherries get you going. Elegant, refined, silky, and earthy on the palate, the wine leaves you with herbs, truffle, and plum in the finish. Drink from 2022-2032.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 1983 Cheval Blanc, which incidentally was served from magnum, has consistently been one of the standout wines of the vintage. Here is one of the finest examples that I have encountered. Sure, its age can no longer be disguised thanks to its tawny-rimmed hue, but the aromatics burst full of red fruit, cigar box, beef stock and tobacco scents that immediately capture your senses. The palate is medium-bodied and very well balanced, underpinned by a keen line of acidity. There is so much freshness here after 30 years and yet it does not begrudge or disguise its age. Even from magnum, you feel that it is approaching the end of its drinking plateau, however there is still so much pleasure to be gained. Maintaining its savory core of fruit and meatiness, this remains a wonderful Cheval Blanc. Tasted March 2015.

James Suckling

The 1983 Cheval is a red that I have always appreciated. In fact, I may have scored it higher in the 1980s when I first tasted the two vintages, but that was a long time ago! The bottle at Island Tang showed beautiful aromas of licorice, spice, flowers and dried fruits such as prunes. It was still full-bodied with soft and fine tannins and ripe fruit.