2012 Marc Sorrel Hermitage Rouge

decent depth red robe. There are pepper notes, thyme, vegetation, elderberry, crushed stones, definite mineral content in the nose. The palate presents a uniform block of red fruit, is rather stiff, the depth fair – it is unformed as yet. It holds a little bit of gras richness, and isn’t a convincing whole. From 2016 – needs time. It has flashes of charm, but is still rigorous, rugged, chiselled. 13°. 11 casks this year, versus 16 casks 2011. To 2027-28 Nov 2013 Previously Nov 2012 **** (cask, malo done, SO2 2 days ago) steady red. Good roll of red cherry fruit that has a sweet centre, three-quarter depth. The palate has an open debut, red fruit with nutty tannin, it is clear and consecutive. Shapely, aromatic wine in the making. Has character, too, and its width on the finish is a signature of 2012. 14-16 years. “It has more potential mass than the same wine in 2011,” Marc Sorrel. 3.5*