J.M.B. Sorrel Hermitage Rouge “Le Vignon” 2022

Notes:

Producer: Domaine J.M.B. Sorrel is a tiny family estate in Tain-l’Hermitage with roots on the Hermitage hill dating to 1893, when Félix Alexandre Sorrel purchased his first vines in Les Bessards. Henri Sorrel succeeded his father in 1945, and in 1985 the domaine passed to Jacques, Jean-Michel, and Bruno Sorrel. Today the estate comprises only about one hectare of Hermitage, divided among three historic parcels. The domaine produces approximately 85% red Hermitage and 15% white, working on a remarkably small scale for one of the Northern Rhône’s most celebrated appellations. Vineyard work is highly traditional: the soils are worked using horse traction, while the remaining vineyard work is performed manually.
Vineyard: Le Vignon is 100% Syrah drawn from three parcels on the Hermitage hill: Les Bessards, Greffieux, and Plantiers. The vines average roughly 50–70 years old, with some vines in Les Bessards exceeding 100 years of age. Each site contributes a different component to the blend. Les Bessards is dominated by granite and provides structure and intensity; Greffieux contains more clay and limestone and contributes a more supple element; and Plantiers is characterized by sandier, stonier soils and contains the small walled parcel known as Le Vignon. Together, these old-vine parcels provide a broad expression of the varied geology of the Hermitage hillside.
Winemaking: The Syrah is harvested entirely by hand and brought to the cellar in intact bunches. For the red Hermitage, the domaine destems approximately 95% of the fruit, retaining a small whole-cluster component. Fermentation and maceration take place in tank and can extend to approximately three weeks. The wine is subsequently matured for roughly two years in older French oak barrels, keeping new-oak influence out of the foreground. Le Vignon is bottled without fining or filtration. It is a deliberately traditional approach that places the emphasis on old-vine Syrah and the three distinct Hermitage parcels rather than cellar technique.
Technical Details: Hermitage AOC; Northern Rhône, France; 2022 vintage; red wine; 100% Syrah; estate fruit from Les Bessards, Greffieux, and Plantiers; approximately one hectare of total domaine holdings; vines generally 50–70+ years old with some vines over 100 years old; granite, clay-limestone, sandy and stony soils depending on parcel; vineyard soils worked by horse; hand harvested; approximately 95% destemmed; fermentation and maceration up to approximately three weeks; aged roughly 24 months in older French oak barrels; bottled without fining or filtration; 13.5% ABV; 750ml; natural cork.
Food Pairing: Roast leg of lamb, grilled lamb chops, braised short ribs, beef daube, côte de boeuf, venison, duck breast, wild boar, lentils with sausage, mushroom dishes, and firm aged cheeses are natural pairings. Hermitage Syrah combines substantial tannin and concentration with savory character and acidity, making Le Vignon particularly well suited to richly flavored meats and slow-cooked dishes. The domaine itself describes the red Le Vignon as a tannic, powerful yet delicate Syrah capable of developing for several decades, so the 2022 can also reward significant time in the cellar.