There are not that many wines from Crozes-Hermitage that are of significance but based on this bottle I would place this wine in that group. Clearly made from very good ingredients with great care, this has good fruit, terrific intensity and way more structure than you would expect but no overt ripeness, extraction or oaking. Lots of charisma too. When the missus came home from a dinner with the girls she took a sip and said: ”that tastes like steak, in a way good”, which I think is not a bad way to describe it.
2015 Marc Sorrel Crozes-Hermitage - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage (11.1.2025)
An awesome nose with animalistic volatility and 2015 warmth in perfect amounts. Really expressive with notes of ultra savory blackberry fruit, smoke, spice market and scorched earth. On the palate medium-bodied with a markedly firm mouthfeel. There is some warmth here too but there is nothing soft or polished about it. The tannins are very nice for a Crozes, there is proper grip. It is super vibrant too, drinking really really well. If we consider the vintage aspect I reckon the fruit is a bit riper than the average (or whatever that used to mean way back when). However that’s about it, otherwise this is a super authentic and high quality Northern Rhône Syrah with style, substance and true grit. Drinking really well right now but if one happens to have a bottle or few in the cellar I don’t think there is any rush to open them.
This is indeed a great Crozes, and really doesn’t show some of the vintage’s overt ripeness IMHO. I had a chance to try the 2015 Hermitage Greal over the holidays and I suspect in another 5+ years it will be absolutely stellar (the wine is still great and can be approached today with the right food in spite of the tannins). A deep, dark brooding wine in appearance, yet really not over-extracted, and destined to be a classic for Hermitage lovers from Sorrel.
Based on this I can imagine Le Gréal indeed being stuff of dreams. My only Gréal was the 2011 in 2017 (a restaurant purchase) and despite the young age and a generally middling year it remains one of the best Syrahs I’ve had. I will be heading to France in a few months and one restaurant has the 1999 Le Gréal on their list. I am crossing my fingers it’s still there after the wait is over…
I’ll bring the potato chips! Had an 04 Greal at a restaurant a couple years ago and it was superlative. Only have the standard hermitage and relatively young in my collection.
