Domaine Marc Sorrel Hermitage Rouge 2020

Marc Sorrel took over the Sorrel Domaine from his father in 1982. While he was thrown headfirst into the deep end after his father’s death Marc has managed to create a brand that can consider itself to be an outstanding producer of refined, traditional Hermitage wines. Marc is a fierce traditionalist and his philosophy is non-interventionist, which is reflected in the style of wine he makes – full, well structured and long lived.

Sorrel’s wine cellars are on the main street of Tain l'Hermitage 100 metres away from the ValRhona factory and shop. Production is miniscule making Sorrel one of the Rhone’s true unicorns. Marc Sorrel has some of the most brilliant sites in Hemitage and has improved over the last 30 years to be one of the finest producers Hermitage alongside Chave & Chapoutier for quality, if not price (yet). His winemaking technique is distinctly non-interventionist he uses new oak extremely judiciously and his wines are often aged for up to two years before bottling. This traditional approach gives an old-fashioned style of Hermitage which is full, well-structured and very long-lived.

Crimson with a light rim. More elegance than power, the fruit floral and lifted, the tannins fine grained and overriding freshness, the alcohol well retained. Good depth all the same and plenty of drive on the finish. Should be accessible relatively early. Drink: 2025-2038. - James Lawther, MW, JancisRobinson.com, Oct 2021, 17.5/20 Points

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Franc
Region - Northern Rhone
Vintage - 2020
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%