2018 Hermitage

While there have often been flashes of brilliance from the M. Sorrel wines over the last 30 years, there were also several missteps, mostly involving oxidation and volatile acidity. That has completely changed as Guillaume Sorrel took control (his father fully retired at the end of 2018). Recent vintages have issued some of the best wines from the appellation. This domaine’s potential has always been enormous, considering their holdings in the very best sites on the Hermitage hill. While the Hermitage bottlings, unsurprisingly, command the most attention here, don’t miss the excellent Crozes-Hermitage. It comes from a one-hectare plot in Larnage and is made with anywhere from 50% to 100% whole clusters and raised in neutral oak barrels. If you see it, buy it, as there are only about 250 to 300 cases to go around.