Domaine Marc Sorrel

Connoisseurs of northern Rhône would have a special affection for Domaine Marc Sorrel but it is really quite difficult to come across them at your usual tasting parties, for in spite of being the fifth largest owner in Hermitage, the domaine’s holdings only amount to 2.5 ha. The domaine began operations in 1893, but it was only when Henri Sorrel took over in the mid-twentieth century that people took notice. Quality continued to soar when Marc Sorrel took over in 1982 following the passing of Henri. And now, the baton has been passed on to Guillaume Sorrel (son of Marc) who has continued the same traditional approach and philosophy to winemaking on the challenging steep slopes of Hermitage. Only used French barrels are utilised in order to maximise the purity of fruit without the influence of new oak. Even its line-up hasn’t expanded, producing only two reds and two whites (with an additional red from Crozes-Hermitage). We had the unique opportunity to taste some of its recent vintages at the headquarters of Wine Clique on 25 November 2025 when Guillaume made his first-ever (!!) visit to Asia. Friendly with a certain restraint, Guillaume doesn’t speak very much, preferring to let his wines express themselves. And they do have a certain character, very classically proportioned with fine clarity within the subtle layers of fruit supported by a firm minerality. Their soft tannins may invite early drinking but I’ll bet that, like all great Rhônes, immense patience is required in order to reap their promised rewards. Many thanks, Guillaume, for choosing Singapore as your first stop ever in Asia and to Alice for making it happen.

2022 Domaine Marc Sorrel Crozes-Hermitage Rouge. Purplish opague core. Lightly perfumed. One senses small berries, developing further notes of raspberries and haw. Quite full on the palate, structured with terse tannins that impart lovely supple tension though its density doesn’t get in the way of clarity, yielding subtle layers of pebbly minerals that lend a bit of austerity to its modest finish. From 90-year-old vines, vinified 100% whole bunch in old barrels for 18-20 months.

2021 Domaine Marc Sorrel Hermitage Rouge. Intense crimson. Rather restrained on the nose even though the palate is quite generous in rosy and orangey hues with a deeper note of cherries, boasting a crisp freshness from its supple tannins that firmed up over time with a distinct stony austerity amid earthy tones of ferrous oxide, a nod to its terroir of granite soil. From a very hot and challenging vintage where there was plenty of mildew as well. Mostly from old vines located in the lieux-dits of Les Bessards, Les Greffieux and Les Plantiers, de-stemmed at 50%.

2021 Domaine Marc Sorrel Hermitage Rouge Le Gréal. Purplish. This wine exudes an alluring feminine fragrance with elegant restraint, matching the entry of integral red fruits that cross the medium-weight palate with great balance and linearity. Again, the distinct dryish earthiness comes through its transparent layers, turning a tad dryish towards its modest finish. From old vines grown on clay and limestone in Le Meal, vinified with a fixed addition of 8% marsanne.

2022 Domaine Marc Sorrel Crozes-Hermitage Blanc, a blend of 90% marsanne and 10% roussanne from very old vines. Light golden, proffering notes of dry citrus and pistachio with a hint of licorice and pralines. Medium-weight. Rounded with fine presence and attack, fanning out with a defined density of white tones that carry subtle energy, boasting persistent length with an emerging tinge of mint and salinity.

2021 Domaine Marc Sorrel Hermitage Blanc Les Rocoules. Light golden. One discerns water chestnuts and beeswax on the nose but it is somewhat reluctant at this stage. More forthcoming on the medium palate where olives and bitter lemon impart a bright tonal balance with fine energy before tapering towards a modest finish. A quasi-monopole, from vines grown on limestone soils.