2016 Marc Sorrel Crozes Hermitage Rouge

Brilliant violet. Smoke- and mineral-accented black and blue fruit preserve, licorice pastille and incense scents, plus a hint of musky earth in the background. Nicely concentrated, spice-laced black currant and bitter cherry flavors become sweeter and more energetic with air. Delivers solid punch but comes off graceful, finishing with very good persistence and dusty, slow-building tannins. 91 points

(used 228-litre cask, racked yesterday) decent red robe. Has a gently aromatic nose, raspberry with low-key spicing, a snap of blackberry also. The palate presents enjoyable, free run raspberry fruits, pure and clear. It takes on a touch of delicate tannin. This has good clarity, drinkability, is w.o.w. wine that captures the essence of the vintage – it’s absolutely a wine for one’s friends, naked and agreeable. There’s aromatic finesse on the close, a little spur of rockiness there. Drink 2022-23. 3.5*

Extraordinary red and black fruit. Just divine – sweet and spicy with a herby note and subtle, shifting fragrance on the finish. Light body, yet superbly lengthy and concentrated. 17.5 points