2019 - Hermitage Le Greal, M. Sorrel

From yields of just 18 hectoliters per hectare, Sorrel's 2019 Hermitage Le Greal is a great way for Guillaume Sorrel to announce his ascension to the helm of the family business. Scents of crushed stone and delicate herbal underpinnings accent waves of ripe, velvety cherry fruit, while the full-bodied palate is rich and concentrated but never seems heavy, instead finishing long, with an impressive degree of elegance. 2,500 bottles produced.

Deep, glistening magenta. Hugely expressive cherry, blackberry, espresso and floral aromas, along with suggestions of smoked meat, licorice and star anise. Deeply concentrated as well as energetic on the palate, offering intense black and blue fruit preserve, fruitcake, exotic spice and floral pastille flavors that stretch out and take on a smoky mineral aspect as the wine opens up. Finishes extremely long and juicy, showing sharp delineation, steadily building tannins and strong mineral thrust on the floral-accented finish.

90% Syrah, 10% Marsanne. Cask sample.Tasted at the domaine. Meaty and ferrous but at the same time with a vibrant freshness. A firm palate with bacon, spice, pepper and ashy smoky notes. Ripe and rich and concentrated with really fine, delineated tannins. Creamy mouthfeel at the moment, which will integrate. (AC)