2016 Marc Sorrel Crozes-Hermitage Blanc

Community Tasting Notes (2) Avg Score: 94 points

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  7/18/2020 - forceberry wrote: 94 Points

  A blend of Marsanne (60%) and Roussanne (40%) from vineyards originally planted in 1945, but partly re-planted since; has more old-vine Roussanne than Marsanne. Fermented in stainless steel, racked into 2-3 yo oak pièces of 228 liters, aged for 10 months, then blended back into stainless steel vats and aged for another 4-5 months. 13% alcohol.
  
  Pale, luminous and still quite youthful whitish-green color. Sweet-toned and somewhat concentrated nose with seductive aromas of ripe white peach and golden apples, some leesy creaminess, light cooling notes of herbal lift and perfumed floral tones, a little bit of vanilla, sweet hints of poached pear and arancini (candied orange rind) and a touch of woody oak. The nose is surprisingly lacking the classic lager-like herbal notes typical of Marsanne and Roussanne, coming across as sweeter and fruitier in style, almost Viognier-like. The wine is rich, concentrated and complex on the palate with a full body, somewhat viscous mouthfeel and youthful flavors of creamy panna cotta, ripe yellow stone fruits, some poached pear, a little bit of exotic spices, light candied notes of gummi bear, a hint of vanilla and a touch of savory wood spice. The acidity feels moderately high, which is enough to keep the wine fresh and balance despite its size. The lengthy finish is ripe, juicy and quite concentrated with complex flavors of ripe pear, some spicy red apple, a little bit of succulent apricot, light vanilla tones, a hint of creamy richness and a touch of sweet, exotic spices.
  
  An exceptionally ripe, concentrated and thoroughly impressive Crozes-Hermitage Blanc. Although the wine doesn't see any new oak, the woody tones feel slightly unintegrated still after 4 years, lending some vanilla overtones and somewhat woody - even slightly sawdusty - oak flavors. However, the fruit department is so concentrated here that the woodier notes really don't bother much. What's interesting, though, is how the wine doesn't exhibit the typical herby flavors of Marsanne and Roussanne, coming across as relatively similar to a well-proportioned Viognier. I poured the wine blind to a handful of wine geeks and while they almost immediately went to Northern Rhône, but guessed Condrieu first, which shows how rich and fruit-driven the wine is. All in all, this is perhaps the most impressive Crozes-Hermitage Blanc I've had, but it nevertheless feels a bit clumsy and unintegrated now at the age of 4 years. I'd let the wine age for another 4-6 years to let it get its game better together - although the wine is quite impressive as it is. It may be expensive for the appellation at 36,50€, but nevertheless manages to deliver for the price. Fine stuff.

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  11/3/2018 - Mige wrote:

  60-40 Marsanne-Roussanne with some 1945 planted wines on granite soil at Larnage. The nose is lovely with candied orange, tropical fruits and some spiciness. The palate is where you notice what happends when you have quality fruit in the hands of top notch producer. It has really intense yellow fruit with nice gras and richness but still remains fresh. It has a long tangy aftertaste that just wants another sip. Drinking really well now but no rush with it - it can last easily until end of 20's.This was just perfect pair with chicken fricassée

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