The top scoring 2020 Hermitage on JR.com
 

Domaine Marc Sorrel is a tiny estate, with just 2.55 hectares under vine in Hermitage. Le Greal is the flagship wine here, and it comes from old vines in two of Hermitage’s best lieux-dits: Greffieux and Le Meal (hence the name Le Greal). Vinification is low interventionist and traditional: there is little de-stemming, and the wines are aged in old oak for up to two years. The style of the wine is powerful, with firm tannins but complex and lifted aromatics. Production was 30% down in 2020, with fewer than 2,500 bottles made.

Since 2018, the domaine has been run by Marc’s son Guillaume. Guillaume is a worthy successor to his father and his 2020 is very good indeed. This high quality, ageworthy Hermitage should not be missed.

‘The 2020 Hermitage Le Greal looks like another terrific success. A blend of 90% Le Méal and 10% Les Greffieux that includes a small proportion of white grapes, it delivers waves of vibrant raspberry fruit, embedded with nuances of black olive and salted licorice. Full-bodied and intense, weighing in at around 15.5% alcohol, it’s a bold, velvety-textured beauty that must be tasted to be believed. Drink 2025-2040.’ 96-98 pts, Wine Advocate.

‘90% Le Méal, 10% Les Greffieux. Syrah with 5% Marsanne co-planted. Cask sample tasted at the domaine.

Beautifully expressive with the fruit at perfect pitch. Blueberry and blackcurrant notes with the addition of clove and spice. Palate dense and profound with elegance and power combined. Tannins clearly present but fine grained. Gourmand fruit with a slight glow on the finish but freshness all the same.’
18.5 pts, JancisRobinson.com.

This wine is lying at the domaine and will be available for delivery in Autumn 2022.