Inky violet color. Juicy red and blue fruit preserve aromas are complemented by suave floral and exotic spice flourishes. Broad and fleshy in the mouth, offering sappy cherry, blueberry, fruitcake, candied violet and salty olive flavors and a suggestion of star anise. Round, even tannins build steadily through the impressively long finish, which strongly echoes the floral and spice notes. 95 points

Chiefly (90%) from Les Plantiers - a little-known lieu-dit toward the western base of the slope - with about 10% Les Bessards, Sorrel`s 2020 Hermitage looks like its customary supple, silky self, with masses of raspberry fruit, ample weight and richness and a long, elegant finish. It should drink well soon after release and evolve well for more than a decade. 92-95 points

(used 228-litre cask) dark red colour; the nose is reserved, but shows promise, offers a restrained aroma of black fruits, nice shafts of freshness. The palate is well themed with pure fruit, fresh tannins slotting in, plays a good harmony, is en finesse, already good to drink. There’s a good accumulation of its pure fruit on the close, red cherry there. It’s genuine, and a good example of the 2020 vintage, too. 14.5°. Drink from 2024 or so, to 2045-47. 4 stars