2020 M. Sorrel Hermitage Rouge Le Greal, Northern Rhone

92% 1927-28 Syrah and 8% Roussanne, Marsanne from Le Méal, 1984-85 Syrah from Greffieux, can be about 50% destemmed (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017 all whole bunch), 3 week vinification, early pumping overs to oxygenate the yeasts, cap punched, aged 25% new, 75% 1-6 year oak 16-20 months (first new oak was 2004), unfined, unfiltered, 1200bts made. JLL ‘Beautifully expressive with the fruit at perfect pitch. Blueberry and blackcurrant notes with the addition of clove and spice. Palate dense and profound with elegance and power combined. Tannins clearly present but fine grained. Gourmand fruit with a slight glow on the finish but freshness all the same. (JL) Drink: 2028-2050.

18.5/20 James Lawther MW jancisrobinson.com Oct 2021

The 2020 Hermitage Le Greal looks like another terrific success. A blend of 90% Le Méal and 10% Les Greffieux that includes a small proportion of white grapes, it delivers waves of vibrant raspberry fruit, embedded with nuances of black olive and salted licorice. Full-bodied and intense, weighing in at around 15.5% alcohol, it's a bold, velvety-textured beauty that must be tasted to be believed. 2025-2040

96-98 points Joe Czerwinski robertparker.com Jan 2022