2000 Jean-Louis Chave Ermitage Cuvée Cathelin

There are great wines, and then there are deeply emotional
wines. Chave’s Ermitage Cuvée Cathelin often falls into the latter category. On
this night, the 2000 is utterly mesmerizing. Still deeply tannic and structured
to the core, the 2000 needs quite a bit of air to soften, but the sheer purity
of its fruit is striking. The flavors are bright, brisk and refreshing, with
gorgeous floral and savory undercurrents that add complexity. After a long day
of leading seminars, I promised myself I would go light at dinner, but the 2000
Cuvée Cathelin is simply too profound to resist. In fact, the two of us have no
problem polishing it off. Readers fortunate enough to own the 2000 should plan
on giving it at least 2-4 hours of air, although ideally, the 2000 should be
cellared for another five years. In the meantime, resisting the temptation to
open a bottle will require a level of monastic discipline that will elude most
mortals. As spectacular as the 2000 Cuvée Cathelin is, it is likely to be even
better in another few years. Memories of the sublime 1991 I had a few months
ago linger as we finish the last drops of the majestic 2000. 98+/Drinking window: 2019-2040.

<img alt="" src="https://allgrapes.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads%2F1418663219886-ChaveErmitage+-vinous.jpg"> -- Antonio Galloni

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