A rare and prestigious wine, l’Hermitage (the very one that used to be served at the court of the Tsar), was once sold at Lafite and Romanée prices.
Marc Sorrel, a vigneron since 1984, wisely cultivates his old vines in the noblest farmhouses of the vineyard. Le Méal, whose soil consists of large pebbles, produces the smoothest and most aromatic wine of the appellation.
Very near to Méal is les Rocoules, where the white wine is powerful, distinguished and of an undeniable elegance. The vineyard has been in operation since 1928, when Marc’s grandfather established the estate.
The estate is situated in the northern Côtes-du-Rhône, on the left bank of the Rhône. The vineyard benefits from a Mediterranean microclimate due to its full southern exposure, which shields it from the cold winds of the north.
The precise origin of vine-culture at the Hermitage is unclear, but it is quite likely that the first vines date back to Roman times.
Interestingly, several texts attest to the fact that in 1787, Thomas Jefferson, while traveling in France, wrote of l’Hermitage blanc as the best wine in the world. This declaration is substantiated by the fact that in the 19th century, l’Hermitage blanc was the most expensive wine in the world.
As for l’Hermitage rouge, it was so highly esteemed for its color, tannins and alcohol that in the 19th century, it was blended with the best Bordeaux wines (Margaux or Lafite) for the English market.
Crozes-Hermitage Blanc 2015
Marsanne 50% and Roussane 50%, 50-year-old vines found on the Terres Blanches de Larnage.
Barrel maturation. Elegant and aromatic, notes of vanilla and acacia honey. It will develop nicely over four to six years. Pairing: Fresh water fish, pie dishes, or even as an aperitif.
REVIEWS:
Sorrel Crozes Hermitage Blanc 2008 WA 193
Sorrel Crozes Hermitage Blanc 2010 WA 198 December 2011
Marc Sorrel Crozes Hermitage Blanc 2012, WA December 2014
Marc Sorrel Crozes Hermitage Blanc 2013, WA December 2014
Crozes-Hermitage Rouge 2015
Syrah, from a fairly recent plantation on slopes of the Larnage commune. A gentle wine of dark red color with bramble and spice aromas. Maturation in oak barrels.
Pairing: All red meats, tournedos, liver, veal kidney, toutes les viandes rouges, tournedos, foie, rognons de veau.
REVIEWS:
Sorrel Crozes Hermitage 2008 IWC October 25, 2010
Sorrel Crozes Hermitage 2008 WA 193 February 2011
Marc Sorrel Crozes Hermitage Rouge 2012, WA December 2014
Marc Sorrel Crozes Hermitage Rouge 2013, WA December 2014
Hermitage Blanc 2020
100% Marsanne from 15 year old vines in the farmhouse of Greffieux , which is located under the Méal , and whose wines are renowned for their delicacy.
Vinification and aging in oak barrels. Notes of almond blossom , rich and subtle wine with intense and prolonged flavor. Aging Potential: 5 to 15 years . Food Pairings : fish
REVIEWS:
Sorrel Hermitage Blanc 2008 WA 193
Hermitage Blanc "Les Rocoules" 2020
Cuvée Prestige Rich and viscous, at once dry and unctuous, possessing of a truly pure flavor. A dazzling finish of vineyard peach, vanilla and honey.
This vintage comes from the “Les Rocoules” area, one of the appellation’s most prestigious. Marsanne 95% and Roussanne 5%; 50-year-old vines. Fermentation in barrels from eight to 10 weeks, partial maturation on fine lees, without filtration. Pairings: Fish with sauce, foie gras
REVIEWS:
Sorrel Hermitage Les Rocoules Blanc 2010 WA 198 December 2011
Marc Sorrel Hermitage Blanc Les Rocoules 2012, WA December 2014
Marc Sorrel Hermitage Blanc Les Rocoules 2013, WA December 2014
Hermitage Rouge 2020
Cuvée Classique Syrah, 30-year-old vines in the Mas des Plantiers, located beneath les Greffieux.
Automatic pigeage, maturation in barrels from 18 to 22 months. Dark red color, aromas of wallflower and wild blackberry, delicate and vivacious, displaying great equilibrium. Aging: Five to 10 years Pairings: Red meats
REVIEWS:
Sorrel Hermitage Rouge 2008 WA 193 February 2011
Sorrel Crozes Hermitage 2007 WA 193
Sorrel Hermitage 2007 IWC January/February 2010
Marc Sorrel Hermitage 2012, WA December 2014
Marc Sorrel Hermitage 2013, WA December 2014
Hermitage Rouge "Le Greal" 2020
Cuvée Prestige A delicate bouquet of violet, black currant, and blackberries. Heavy, yet harmonious tannins and an impressively lingering flavor.
“Le Gréal” comes from one of the most renowned lieux-dits. Le Meal (at the heart of the sloping vineyard), 90% Syrah and 10% Marsanne, 60-year-old vines. Barrel maturation for 18 to 24 months, without fining or filtration. This is a solid vin de garde, capable of improving over the course of 15 to 20 ans. Pairing: Red meats and game
REVIEWS:
Sorrel Hermitage Le Greal 2010 WA 198 December 2011
Sorrel Hermitage Le Greal 2007 WA 182/193
Marc Sorrel Hermitage Le Greal 2012, WA December 2014
Marc Sorrel Hermitage Le Greal 2013, WA December 2014
