2019 Crozes Hermitage Blanc

I confess to being slightly disappointed by Sorrel's 2019 Crozes Hermitage Blanc, which I tasted at the winery. A 50-50 blend of Marsanne and Roussanne from 60-year-old vines in Larnage, it showed some odd, lifted notes on the nose and hints of bruised apple as well. The malolactic fermentation was blocked this year, so despite boasting 14.5% alcohol, the wine comes across as a bit tart and narrow, but with a long, penetrating and chalky-peppery finish.