Marc Sorrel, Hermitage Les Rocoules 2020

robert_parker 2020

Sorrel's 2020 Hermitage Blanc Les Rocoules had recently finished its alcoholic fermentation (in the summer of 2021, at close to 16% alcohol) and was still slowly working away on its malolactic, making it difficult for me to rate. Judgment reserved.

robert_parker 2019

Rating: 94 –94

A blend of 90% Marsanne and 10% Roussanne, Sorrel's 2019 Hermitage Blanc Les Rocoules is far and away his best effort among the vintage's whites. Scents of crushed stone accent ripe, honeyed notes of white peaches and pears, while the full-bodied palate is rich, round and mouth coating, echoing with hints of salted licorice on the slightly warm finish.

robert_parker 2018

Rating: 96 –98

A blend of 90% Marsanne and 10% Roussanne, Sorrel's 2018 Hermitage Blanc Les Rocoules is a huge, honeyed, rich effort that should still be drinking well in 25 years. It's difficult to see the structure under all of the lush melon and pineapple fruit, but it's there, emerging on the finish to show incredible length and freshness. It's a true legend in the making.

robert_parker 2017

Rating: 97 –99

Is this the greatest Les Rocoules I've ever tasted? The 2017 Hermitage Blanc Les Rocoules shows more structure than the 2018, informed by greater freshness and crushed stone nuances. It's full-bodied, loaded with power and richness and possesses layers of ripe fruit, yet it remains cool and refreshing on the long, long finish. When confronted with a wine like this, words tend to fail to convey the emotion and sensations of the moment—you have to try it for yourself.

robert_parker 2016

Rating: 94 –96

From minuscule, hail-reduced yields of only nine hectoliters per hectare, the 2016 Hermitage Blanc Les Rocoules is a terrific effort, marrying honeyed richness with briny intensity. It’s a blend of 85% Marsanne and 15% Roussanne.

robert_parker 2013

Rating: 93 –95

Hitting blockbuster levels, the 2013 Hermitage Blanc les Rocoules is made from 90% Marsanne and 10% Roussanne grown in the limestone soils on the eastern side of the appellation. A big, ripe, hedonistic beauty, it exhibits tons of white currants, almond paste, honey and pineapple to go with a fat, fleshy and full-bodied feel on the palate. It won't be for those craving lightweight aromas or flavors, but should deliver tons of pleasure over the coming decade or more.

robert_parker 2012

Rating: 95 –95

There's roughly 900 bottles of the blockbuster 2012 Hermitage Blanc les Rocoules. One of the more flamboyant whites from this region, this decadent, full-bodied, fat and heady effort gives up tons of caramelized fruits, citrus oil, quince and assorted tropical-like aromas and flavors. It's another pedal to-the-metal styled white to drink over the coming decade.

robert_parker 2004

Rating: 91 –93

Sorrel’s flagship white is the Hermitage Les Rocoules. The outstanding 2004 (225 cases produced) tips the scales at 14.5% alcohol. Deep, sweet citrus oil notes intermixed with hints of stones and flowers emerge from this full-bodied, rich, impressive white. It should drink well for 10-15 years. Importer: JAO Wine Imports, McLean, VA.

robert_parker 2003

Rating: 96 –96

Sorrel's 2003 Hermitage Blanc les Rocoules is sensational stuff. Thick, unctuous and made in a pedal-to-the-metal style, it offers lots of almond paste, white currants, honeysuckle and white-flower notes to go with tons of glycerol, full-bodied richness, huge concentration and a blockbuster, heady finish. Harvested early in September (which is late in this vintage), and seeing malo in barrel, I'm sure some will find this over the top, but I love it. It's still fresh and lively at age 12, and, given its lofty alcohol and serious concentration, it should have another couple decades of longevity.

robert_parker 2001

Rating: 94 –94

More classic in style than the ridiculously endowed and concentrated 2003, the 2001 Hermitage Blanc les Rocoules gives up ample currants and quince- like fruits to go with more subtle licorice, wax and honey. Harvested September 12-15, it's full-bodied, beautifully concentrated and textured, all while staying lively, balanced and fresh.

robert_parker 2001

Rating: 92 –94

The surprisingly powerful 2001 Hermitage Les Rocoules tips the scales at 14.5% alcohol. A slow fermentation appears to have built considerable texture and unctuosity into this rich, syrupy white. Like most Les Rocoules offerings, it includes 7-8% Roussanne with the balance Marsanne. The concentrated, dense 2001 appears to be a classic in the making, perhaps equal to the terrific 1999. It should drink well young, then become dormant for a decade, after which it will last for 10-15 years. Importers: Cynthia Hurley Wine Imports, West Newton, MA; fax (617) 965-7530 and World Wine Import, Atlanta, GA; fax (404) 842-1487

robert_parker 2000

Rating: 92 –92

The 2000 Hermitage Blanc les Rocoules is fully mature and reveals a soft, plump and full-bodied feel in its almond-paste, quince, honey and brioche bouquet. Drinking nicely today, there's no need to delay gratification. Enjoy this classic Hermitage Blanc with a classy meal over the coming 4-5 years.

robert_parker 1999

Rating: 94 –94

Another sensationally concentrated, rich and textured Hermitage Blanc is the 1999 Hermitage Blanc les Rocoules. Giving up beautiful, honeyed, floral and waxy aromas and flavors, it stays remarkably fresh and lively on the palate while not giving an inch with regard to glycerin, mid-palate depth, or length on the finish. Readers who love the old-school style of Hermitage Blanc, where the focus is on texture and richness (while still showing purity of fruit), need to try these les Rocoules releases from Sorrel.

robert_parker 1991

Rating: 89 –89

Not surprisingly, the 1991 Les Rocoules is an excellent wine (1991 was the best recent vintage in the northern Rhone). It offers a honeyed apple, citrusy, mineral-scented nose, rich, full-bodied flavors that exhibit excellent concentration, and a spicy, chewy finish with fine glycerin, alcohol, and fruit. Anticipated maturity: now-2008. Last tasted 6/95.

robert_parker 1990

Rating: 90 –90

The 1990 Les Rocoules, while closed, is a powerful wine. Made from vines with an average age of 46 years, it is a blend of 90% Marsanne and 10% Roussane. Only 300-325 cases were produced. There is a floral component to the otherwise muted nose. The big, rich, honeyed flavors exhibit considerable concentration, full body, and a slight touch of oak. A big, thick, chewy wine that needs time in the cellar, Sorrel's Hermitage will provide riveting drinking for those with the patience to wait 10-15 years. Last tasted 1/96.

robert_parker 1989

Rating: 90 –90

The 1989 Les Rocoules is attractively forward and precocious, with more alcohol, lower acidity, and a fleshy, chewy texture. These huge white wines almost seem out of sync with today's rush to drink lighter whites, but with aging, their finesse and gracefulness emerge. They should be served with powerful, flavorful, aromatic dishes. Anticipated maturity: now-2006. Last tasted 1/96.

robert_parker 1989

Hey guys…this magnum never got down to my side of the table! I guess I must have been too busy chatting. Not tasted June 2010.

robert_parker 1988

Rating: 93 –93

I was astonished by this wine's sensational extract, and incredible length and richness. Like the 1989, it should last for 10-20 or more years. It is impressively concentrated, and as rich and deep as any white Rhone wine I have ever tasted. It tasted almost like essence of white Hermitage. I cannot urge too strongly those adventurous readers who want to taste a remarkably individualistic, great white Hermitage to latch onto a few bottles of this rarity. It shares similar aromas and tastes with the 1989, but it is more opulent and concentrated. Anticipated maturity: 1998-2010. Last tasted 1/96.