2008 Marc Sorrel Hermitage Rouge

Deep red. Cherry, violet, smoke and a hint of game on the nose. Quite sweet, even rather feminine in style, offering textbook syrah flavors of dark berries, bitter cherry, violet and olive. But this is like an x-ray of syrah, with light body and brisk back-end cut. As fresh as it is, it lacks the stuffing one expects of Hermitage. Finishes with hints of smoke and bitter cherry. There will be no Hermitage Le Greal bottled this vintage. 87-89 points