Description
My note on the 2018: 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
“Yellow robe; the nose is discreet, involves cooked lemon, fennel, roasted nuts, more to emerge mildly more than suddenly. The palate gives gentle gras on debut, is well toned, a bit arm’s length for now, but is going to be open quite early with a tender approach and well tempered, low-key length. It’s a refined, traditional Hermitage blanc, does well on that basis. From 2023. 2040-42 July 2021” Four Stars, John Livingstone Learmonth
“Sorrel’s “classic” white Hermitage comes essentially from les Greffieux. From 60-year-old Marsanne vines and set to spend a total of 18 months in older oak (nothing newer than four years), a barrel sample of the 2020 Hermitage Blanc was a thrilling joyride of honeyed white peaches and ripe pears. Full-bodied, rich and incredibly textural, it should be a beauty.” 93-95 Joe Czerwinski
