The 1995 Hermitage Cuvee Cathelin, only the third vintage of this offering,

is less aromatic than the Cuvee classique. Rich and powerful, with a formidable

tannin level in the finish, it possesses a saturated purple color, great purity

of fruit, and considerable mouthfeel and length, but what a full - bodied, awesomely

- endowed baby! Much less evolved than the 1990 and 1991 were at a

similar stage, it will require a minimum of 10 - 12 years of patience, and will last

for 30 - 40+ years. /RP /Oct 1997



The opaque black/purple - colored 1998 Ermitage Cuvee Cathelin (200 cases)

offers a huge nose of smoked licorice, blackberry, cassis, new saddle leather,

and vanillin. Tasting like liqueur of Syrah, it is extremely full - bodied and awesomely

concentrated, with formidable tannin as well as mind - blowing levels

of extract and density. The tannin is sweet, and the wine seamless for a young

Chave Hermitage. /RP /Feb 2001