Marc Sorrel Hermitage Classique Blanc 2020 (750ml) *

White Hermitage is a small and serious category, made in the northern Rhône from Marsanne (sometimes with a little Roussanne alongside). This one from Marc Sorrel is all Marsanne, drawn from old vines, and its "classique" bottling sees eighteen months in barrel, all of it seasoned oak rather than anything new. The 2020 vintage gives a wine of substance without heaviness, a pale gold in the glass.

Expect aromas that lean toward ripe orchard fruit, quince and white peach and pear, edged with toasted almond, a lift of minty herb, and a whisper of baking spice. The palate is where it earns attention: medium to full in body, rich and deeply textural, yet held in careful balance so that the power reads as focus rather than weight. The finish carries on with the same poise. A wine that rewards patience but already shows its class.