2017 Sorrel, Marc Hermitage Rouge

Peppery and meaty notes combine with ripe cherries and cassis on the nose of the 2017 Hermitage. It's medium to full-bodied, possessing a certain tension between the fruit, the crisp acids and the firm tannins. There's more austerity to this wine than in most vintages, and it shows some dusty tannins on the finish. JC

Dark violet. Assertive aromas of ripe blackberry, cherry liqueur and violet take on olive and incense nuances with air. Juicy, focused and lively on the palate, offering an array of red and blue fruit, floral pastille and spice flavors that slowly deepen as the wine opens up. A long, spice- and mineral-driven finish features fine-grained tannins and resonating floral and spice notes. JR

100% Syrah from Les Plantiers, Les Bessards and Les Greffieux vineyards - Dark red, black tints colour. Black cherry with Pez sweets, violet, scented airs give a sweet charm on the nose, which strikes a good bendy posture. The palate serves gutsy fruit on roller skates, has verve, and extends with brio, black cherries and soaked cherries (griottes), tasty tannins. This is gourmand Hermitage, long, as well. It’s a wee bit flashy, but is appealing. The aftertaste is peppery, vegetal, shows licorice. It bustles with energy, has a southern leaning, and the fruit lasts well. The Pleasure Crew will adore this. “It’s a petit Gréal this year, and is truly atypical of what I do. The tannins are so ripe, you don’t notice them, almost like Grenache. Only 5 casks,” Marc Sorrel. Drinking suggestion rom 2022. Tasted in November 2018.