2014 Marc Sorrel Hermitage Rouge

Deep ruby. Smoke-accented black currant and cherry scents, accompanied by hints of pungent flowers, olive and bacon. Sappy and penetrating in the mouth, offering bitter cherry and dark berry flavors that show very good clarity and spicy cut. Picks up a peppery element on the blue-fruit-driven finish, which hangs on with strong, smoky tenacity. 91 points

(used 225-litre oak cask, bottling June 2016) healthy red robe. Blackberry fruit comes forward in an active bouquet, gives hints of raspberry, and the style resembles a coulis or simmered berries. This is a good, live start. The palate runs directly with crisp mulberry fruit that leads into a blueberry finale. This is a fresh vintage wine, with good thrust. There are licorice, mocha moments. I like its naked style – it gets on with it, has appealing clarity, and good quality fruit. Drink 2018-2035 4*