The Cuvee Cathelin, more influenced by new oak than the classic Cuvee, is a

prodigious wine. Remarkably, the new oak takes a backseat to the wine’s superb

raw materials. The wine exhibits fabulous concentration, richness, intensity, and

length, as well as a mind - boggling finish. It is not superior to the classic Cuvee,

just different. The Cuvee Cathelin possesses more of an international new oak

signature, but awesome extract and potential. The 1990 Cuvee Cathelin should

not be drunk for 10 - 15 years; it has the potential to last for 30 - 50 years! /RP

In 1991, Chave made 2,500 bottles of an Hermitage Cuvee Cathelin that is significantly

richer and more profound than the classic Cuvee. It offers an opaque

dark purple color, and a huge nose of cassis, vanillin, smoke, and flowers. Full

- bodied, dense, and powerful, this is a deeply concentrated, rich, compelling

bottle of Hermitage. Anticipated maturity: 1999 - 2025. /RP /Jan 1997