Wine Advisor
Marc Sorrel, Hermitage Le Greal 2006
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The stunning, deep ruby/purple-hued 2006 Hermitage Le Greal (4,500 bottles produced) exhibits aromas of smoked duck, gamy animal, new saddle leather, creme de cassis, scorched earth, and truffles. This thick, rich, full-bodied, magnificent Hermitage achieved 15.5% natural alcohol. It will last for 20-25+ years. This is one of the most traditionally run domaines of the northern Rhone. For a number of years, Sorrel has been adding a white and red Crozes-Hermitage to his small portfolio. Importer: J.A.O. Imports, McLean, VA; www.jaowineimports.com
About the Producer
Marc Sorrel is a leading estate in the Hermitage appellation of the northern Rhône, producing traditionally styled, long-lived red wines from Syrah as well as white wines from Marsanne and Roussanne. The estate was founded in 1928 by Félix Sorrel and from 1984 to 2018, was run by his grandson Marc. Today, Marc's son Guillaume is at the helm of the domaine. The estate is best known for its Hermitage wines, sourced from several plots on the famous hillside. Typically, the vines are planted on granite-based soils, and enjoy the region's sunny, south-oriented mesoclimate. Some of the vines are more than 60 years old, and produce tiny yields of intensely concentrated berries. There are four Hermitage wines in Marc Sorrel's current portfolio – two red and two white and are varietal expressions of Syrah and Marsanne respectively. The top red wine, Le Gréal, is produced in tiny amounts from the best old vine parcels of Syrah within the estate with a small portion of Marsanne. The white wine, Les Rocoules, is predominantly Marsanne with a little Roussanne. Marc Sorrel also makes a red and a white Crozes-Hermitage wine. In the winery, the grapes are often whole-bunch fermented. The white varieties are fermented in large used oak barrels to impart a soft oak influence. All wines are aged in old oak barrels in the cellar for a period prior to bottling.
