1998 Chave Ermitage Cuvee Cathelin Syrah Bottle No 1437 of 2500 made:

The colour is a bright, intense, rich and deep red , with a nose of rich ripe cherries, wet earth, with some black pepper in the background. 

On the palate were ripe cherries again, lots of  blackcurrant, a gentle pepper note, nutmeg, and earthy tannin and a fruity sweetness.  This presented in beautiful harmony, but turned bit bitter at times towards the end.  The delightful finish lasted for 60 seconds.  

The wine was not decanted, as it had only a bit of a very fine deposit;  it did not gain with more oxygenation and is probably just past its peak.  Drink -2035.  A great Rhone wine; its rarity (only 2500 bottles were made this year) accounts in part for the high price.     4.5/5

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