In the glass
Aroma: extraordinary concentration of dark fruit, iron mineral, dried violets, smoked meat, granite
Palate: massively concentrated, flawless mineral structure, epic tannins of great refinement, near-immortal length
The rarest wine in the Northern Rhone. Cuvee Cathelin is made only in exceptional vintages from a single lieu-dit selection on the Hermitage hill. Named for the painter Jean Cathelin who collaborated with the domaine.
What it pairs with
-
A perfect roast rack of lamb with 30 years of age on the wine
Mature Hermitage and roast lamb is the canonical Rhone pairing. -
Truffle-studded whole roast pigeon
Luxury game and truffle can approach the complexity of this extraordinary wine.
How to serve Hermitage Cuvee Cathelin
Allow 95 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 90 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 16-18°C. Cellar temperature (16-18°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a large Bordeaux-style glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. A perfect roast rack of lamb with 30 years of age on the wine, Truffle-studded whole roast pigeon. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Cuvee Cathelin was first produced in 1990 from a single selection of the finest barrels of Hermitage, named for the painter Jean Cathelin who created the domaine's label artwork. It is made only in extraordinary vintages: 1990, 1991, 1995, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2015.
- 1990 — First vintage of Cuvee Cathelin from the finest barrels of Hermitage
- 1998 — Second Cathelin produced; establishes the rarity and selectivity of the cuvee
Facts
- Producer
- Domaine Jean-Louis Chave
- Grapes
- Syrah (100%)
- Classification
- Hermitage AOC
- Oak
- 18-24 months in old French oak foudres
- ABV
- 14.0%
- Price
- EUR 2000-5000 at auction
- Drinking window
- 15-50 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1990
- Biodynamic
- Biodynamic Practicing
- Organic
- ECOCERT
Frequently asked about Hermitage Cuvee Cathelin
What does Hermitage Cuvee Cathelin taste like?
On the nose, extraordinary concentration of dark fruit, iron mineral, dried violets, smoked meat, granite. On the palate, massively concentrated, flawless mineral structure, epic tannins of great refinement, near-immortal length. Structurally full-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a extraordinary, minerals and dried flowers that persist for minutes finish. The rarest wine in the Northern Rhone. Cuvee Cathelin is made only in exceptional vintages from a single lieu-dit selection on the Hermitage hill. Named for the painter Jean Cathelin who collaborated with the domaine.
When should I drink Hermitage Cuvee Cathelin?
Drink 15-50 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Hermitage Cuvee Cathelin?
A perfect roast rack of lamb with 30 years of age on the wine is the canonical pairing; Truffle-studded whole roast pigeon is the other strong match. Mature Hermitage and roast lamb is the canonical Rhone pairing.
What grapes are in Hermitage Cuvee Cathelin?
The blend is Syrah (100%). The wine is classified as Hermitage AOC.