Marc Sorrel Hermitage Rouge 2022 is a masterful expression of Syrah from the prestigious Hermitage appellation in the Northern Rhône. Crafted with 80% Syrah sourced from the venerable Les Plantiers vineyard (established 1970) and complemented by 20% from the late 1980s parcels of Les Bessards and Les Greffieux, this wine embodies both depth and elegance.
The vinification process is meticulous: 50% destemmed grapes undergo a gentle two-week fermentation with regular cap punching to extract vibrant color and complex tannins. The wine then matures for 16 to 20 months in carefully selected 225 and 228-litre oak casks aged between one and six years, ensuring a perfect balance of oak influence and fruit purity. Notably, the wine is unfined and unfiltered, preserving its natural intensity and character.
"Beautiful nose, perfumed pure and dense," praises Alistair Cooper MW of JancisRobinson.com, highlighting the wine’s aromatic finesse and concentration. Marc Sorrel is regarded as one of the Rhone’s true unicorns, producing wines that combine power with elegance and a profound sense of place.
This 2022 vintage reflects the unique terroir of Hermitage, known for its granite soils that impart a distinctive minerality and structure. The blend’s complexity is enhanced by the age of the vineyards, particularly the flat land of Les Plantiers, which contributes to the wine’s richness and refined texture.
With only 2,400 bottles produced across 2-3 bottlings, Marc Sorrel Hermitage Rouge 2022 is a rare gem for collectors and connoisseurs seeking a sophisticated Syrah that showcases the best of Northern Rhône craftsmanship.