Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
J.L. Chave
Label Name:
 
Ermitage Cuvee Cathelin
Vintage:
 
1998
Country:
 
France
Region:
 
Hermitage, Northern Rhône
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
13%
Grape(s):
 
Syrah
Method:
 
Hand‑harvested fruit from individual Hermitage climats vinified parcel‑by‑parcel; partial destemming, long fermentations in cement/stainless/open oak, then élevage ~18–24 months in French oak (higher new‑oak for Cathelin); bottled unfiltered.
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
5
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18
Tasting Note:
 
Powerful, concentrated Syrah with smoked licorice, blackberry, cassis, saddle‑leather and vanillin; intensely layered, dense and full‑bodied with sweet yet formidable tannins and an explosive, very long finish.
Food Pairing:
 
Roast or grilled lamb, venison or beef, braised short ribs, game terrine; Asian: Korean BBQ (galbi), Sichuan beef, char siu, Cantonese roasted duck, robust braised noodle dishes.
Vineyard Info:
 
Family domaine with recorded viticulture since 1481. Jean‑Louis Chave (16th generation) leads the estate; Cuvée Cathelin is a rare, top‑of‑range Hermitage cuvée produced only in great years.
Awards/Ratings:
 
Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) 98 (Wine Advocate #133, Feb 2001); Vinous 98+; Wine Spectator 95