1991 Hermitage Le Greal
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Tasting notes
Getting up there with the '98 in terms of quality, the 1991 Hermitage le Greal is a stunner! Only 50% destemmed, its youthful ruby color is followed by terrific and complex notes of kirsch, blackberries, ground herbs, pepper and smoked meats. Seamless and integrated on the palate, it's more classically styled and focused than the 1990 and is full-bodied, has a stacked mid-palate and still-present, yet ripe and polished tannin on the finish. This is a blockbuster Hermitage that's just now at the early stages of maturity. Drink it anytime over the coming 15-20 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Sorrel's red wines are favorites among connoisseurs. The spectacular, black-colored 1991 Hermitage Le Greal, made from yields of under 20 hectoliters per hectare (less than in 1990), reveals a huge bouquet of Asian spices, licorice, black fruits, earth, and vanillin. Fabulously concentrated and full-bodied, with moderate tannin and layers of thick, juicy Syrah fruit, this terrific Hermitage should be drunk between 2000-2020. No known American importer.
Very good deep red-ruby color. Aromas of cassis, tar, game and woodsmoke; no hint of new oak. Thick, sweet and gamey, with a pliant, velvety texture. Expressive syrah flavors of cassis, violet and woodsmoke. Finishes with sweet, dusty tannins and a faintly inky quality. A very impressive showing for a wine that is typically difficult to judge in its youth.