1995 Domaine Jean Louis Chave, Hermitage, Ermitage Cathelin 1x75cl

Neal Martin 94

Now 30 years old, the 1995 Ermitage Cuvee Cathelin has a swarthy nose with raspberry, briar, juniper and light cola scents, well defined if missing the bucolic charm of the 91. The palate is velvety smooth with hints of strawberry pastille and eucalyptus. The Cathelin is supremely well balanced and polished, sporting impressive weight and density on the glossy finish. That said, I asked myself whether it really has the profundity you find in Chave s finest creations. Still, it was a privilege to drink such a rare Rhone. Based on this showing, the 1995 deserves further time in bottle. [Neal Martin, 01/09/2025]

Anticipated maturity: 2028-2055

Vinous 95+

Dark ruby-red. Brooding but vibrant aromas of cassis, blackberry, licorice and spice. Extremely dense and concentrated, with urgent blackcurrant and pepper flavors complicated by a spicy oak component. Despite its supple texture, this has shut down since the last time I sampled it and is likely to call for extended patience. [Stephen Tanzer, 07/01/1999]

Wine Advocate 97

When I arrived at 6:00 p.m., September 11, 2001, at Domaine Chave, I found Chave in tears and his family distraught. I had heard about the attacks on the World Trade Center, but not the subsequent collapse of both towers. Gerard Chave knows all about suicidal bombers, having served in the French military during the Algerian revolution. It took a long time to gather sufficient focus to do my tastings. However, the brilliant wines that unfolded in the cellars were, at least for several hours, a much needed antidote for pushing to the back of my mind the horror of 9-11-01. Importers: Langdon Shiverick, Cleveland OH; tel. (216) 861-6800 and Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524 [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 30/04/2002]

Anticipated maturity: 2007-2037

Jeb Dunnuck 98

The 1995 Hermitage Cuvee Cathelin is another magical wine from this family estate that s drinking brilliantly today. Its vivid ruby, semi-opaque color (classic mature Hermitage) is followed by an incredibly complex bouquet of red and black currants, Asian spices, scorched earth, beef blood, and obvious smoky minerality that s the essence of the les Bessards lieu-dit. Deep, concentrated, and powerful on the palate, yet at the same time incredibly seamless and elegant, with an almost Burgundian ethereal texture, this smoky, meaty, mineral-driven Hermitage is fully mature today yet I will have no problem evolving for another two decades or more. It s pure class. [Jeb Dunnuck, 27/03/2019]