February 6, 2025
Legendary Northern Rhône Producer: Domaine Marc Sorrel 2022
Photo: Guillaume Sorrel in the wine cellar
Legendary Northern Rhône Producer: Domaine Marc Sorrel 2022’s
Guillaume Sorrel’s 2022 releases stand out as some of the most compelling and dynamic wines from the Hermitage appellation.
Domaine Marc Sorrel is a revered name in the Northern Rhône, renowned for its dedication to traditional winemaking in Hermitage. Though small in size, the estate has built a formidable reputation for crafting expressive Syrah and Marsanne wines that honour the region’s terroir. The Sorrel family’s legacy in Hermitage dates back to the late 19th century, with the domaine officially established by Félix Sorrel in 1928. Initially, the estate sold its grapes to négociants, but under the guidance of Henri Sorrel in 1979, it began bottling its own wines, marking a new chapter of excellence.
Marc Sorrel took over in 1982, expanding the estate to include some of Hermitage’s most prestigious lieux-dits, such as Les Bessards, Les Greffieux, and Le Méal. His philosophy remains rooted in tradition, focusing on minimal intervention to allow the terroir to shine. The vineyards, perched on granite-laden slopes, benefit from Hermitage’s unique microclimate, while whole-cluster fermentation and extended aging in used oak barrels ensure structure, complexity, and elegance. Since 2018, Marc’s son, Guillaume Sorrel, has played a key role in preserving the family legacy, and many would argue that his influence has taken the wines to new heights. With experience in both Burgundy and the Rhône, he brings a refined touch while remaining deeply committed to the estate’s traditional roots.
The 2022 Northern Rhône vintage saw intense heat and drought, yet Hermitage’s old vines endured, yielding structured, concentrated wines. The Syrahs across the region is bold and ripe, showcasing dark fruit, spice, and refined tannins. While approachable young, the best will gain complexity, peaking around 10-14 years, balancing charm, freshness, and depth.
Le Gréal sits at the pinnacle of Domaine Marc Sorrel’s production, a truly exceptional wine crafted from 100-year-old, organically farmed vines in two of Hermitage’s greatest terroirs. With 90% Syrah from Le Méal and the rest from Les Gréffieux, the blend also includes 10% co-planted Marsanne, adding elegance and floral lift. Limited to fewer than 2,000 bottles, its cult-like following grows with each release, making it one of the most coveted wines in the Northern Rhône.
With its limited production and uncompromising quality, Domaine Marc Sorrel remains one of the most sought-after producers in Hermitage, a true guardian of the region’s winemaking heritage.
We are avid fans of the wines at all levels, and our allocations are limited, so if Northern Rhône wines are your passion, don’t hesitate.
Marc Sorrel Crozes-Hermitage 2022
93 Points | Decanter, Matt Walls
Powerful, ripe blackberry fruit and compote. Full-bodied, with a lovely sense of freshness and power on the textured palate that displays fresh herbs. This will both age and drink well young. Grown on Kaolin soils in Larnage. All whole bunch. No pigeage, all submerged cap.
Marc Sorrel Hermitage 2022
95 Points | Decanter, Matt Walls
The whole-bunch element is quite marked on the nose currently, and there's good fresh fruit too. Powerful on the palate, this has good intensity and drive, and the whole bunches are quite marked texturally as well. Good length and freshness, with fleshy fruit and a robust, tannic frame. A little more rustic than some Hermitage, but with age this will be very good. Grown on lieux-dits Les Bessards and Les Plantiers.
Marc Sorrel Hermitage Le Greal 2022
96 Points | Decanter, Matt Walls
Darkly coloured. Wonderful nose – very Hermitage in its meaty, smoky, roasted notes. Surprisingly fresh and lively for such a hot and dry vintage. Powerful, with quite marked acidity and robust, slightly fibrous tannins that will take time to soften. The finish is long with great vitality, this is a very genuine, authentic Hermitage and doesn't even feel like it comes from a hot vintage. There is a slight green note to the tannins, which arguably aren't as elegant as in some years, but it's a wine that speaks strongly of terroir. From lieux-dits Le Méal and Les Greffieux. 7% Marsanne and Roussanne coplanted with the Syrah in Le Méal.