2017 Marc Sorrel Hermitage Le Greal

Inky ruby. Intensely perfumed aromas of black and blue fruit liqueur, exotic spices, olive and potpourri are energized by a smoky mineral nuance. Juicy and expansive in the mouth, displaying impressively concentrated boysenberry and cherry preserve flavors complemented by suggestions of candied violet, licorice and bitter chocolate. The floral and mineral notes come back strong on a strikingly long, penetrating finish that features building tannins and a sweet touch of cola. 94 points

(used 228-litre cask) the colour is a full red, a dark robe it is. This has a lingering, lurking nose on black cherry with a coiled spring effect; it lies low on a lovely couch of ripe fruit. The palate carries much potential, silken tannins in close collusion with suave gras richness that flows and glides without ripples. There are nuances of inner detail, contribution. This is ace. There is a touch of the deep south late on, liqueur. The length is first class, Rolls Royce. What a delight here; the balance takes on lip smacking black fruits, black olive notions on the close. It retains the sense of Syrah from granite in the late moments, fine lines of mineral. The whole bunch use has served it well, its springy clarity. Decanting advised. There were 12 casks, a good quantity this year. Previously Nov 2017 ****** (used 228-litre cask, sugars, malo completed) deep, dark red. Has a serene, handsome nose, curvy and shiny-fruited, a hint of lees, a lot of elegant small black fruits, a hint of raspberry. The palate links closely, its suave gras really purrs along, Rolls Royce time here. There is a most winning gradual crescendo, symphonic it is. There’s juicy bounty, velvet tannins on the close. This is Grand Vin, with flair and class. It has a bit more finesse than 2015, the tannins have a fine detail. 4.5 stars