Hermitage Cuvee Cathelin 2003 Chave

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (100)

Every bit as profound, yet distinctly different, the 2003 Hermitage Cuvee Cathelin is a cellar selection that comes mostly from Chave’s Les Bessards holdings and sees slightly more time in oak. More decadent in style, with ripe cassis, truffle, earth, spiced meats and licorice, it offers a singular profile on the palate with massive concentration and extract, a thick, chewy texture and incredible length. As with the straight Hermitage, it stays graceful and elegant, with no sense of weight or heat in its seamless profile. Sadly, there were only 125 cases of this elixir produced, so here’s to hoping I get to taste this singular beauty again as well!

Winespectator (99)

Intense, with layer upon layer of exotic fig, blueberry, boysenberry and Linzer torte fruit notes, all stretched over superfine-grained tannins that just sail on and on, while hints of Turkish coffee, blueberry-port reduction, bittersweet Valrhona chocolate and fig bread fill out the background. Immensely concentrated but shows terrific purity and long, graphite-driven finish. Drinkable now, but should cruise in the cellar for some time.

BOW (10)