Description
Again, a wine that is produced is such small quantities that it hasn’t been exported to America before, the Sorrels made a scant three barrels (75cs) of their blanc Classique, hailing roughly 80% from les Greffieux and 20% from les Plantiers, sometimes with some young vine Rocoules added into the mix. Again, the combination of richness, weightless poise, and self evident class had me in fits; there is something of a magical balancing act here. An undoubtedly delicious and mesmerizing example of the unique nobility of Hermitage blanc. A little star * awarded here.
“Marsanne from Les Greffieux, bought in 1983-84 from Madamemoiselle Chierpe, re-planted 1990, can be plus a little Marsanne from Les Rocoules, fermented, raised 5-10 year 228-litre oak casks 14 months, from 2007 20-25% new oak used, only sold in France, not enough for export, 900-1,800 b” JLL
“(Les Greffieux, used 228-litre cask, malo completed) full yellow; has a grilling, toasted aroma, cooked citrus in the air, white plum, white peach – it has style. The palate tastes well, carries good appeal, with balance and steady length, not a false step. This is kind, joli, appealing Hermitage, carries detail, persists, tick tock. It’s classic, traditional Hermitage. From 2024, decanting advised. 2040-43 Nov 2018” Four and a half stars, John Livingstone Learmonth
“Sorrel’s 2018 Hermitage boasts scents of gently toasted hazelnuts over a lush base of peach and pineapple fruit. Full-bodied, it’s ripe and honeyed, finishing with great persistence and texture.” 93-95 Joe Czerwinski
