2023 Hermitage Le Greal
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Tasting notes
The 2023 Hermitage Le Gréal is exquisite, wafting from the glass with an exotic bouquet of wisteria, violet, cassis, mulberries and pepper. Full-bodied, velvety and enveloping, it’s built around a fleshy, even unctuous core of fruit underpinned by a delicate chassis of sweet, powdery and perfectly integrated tannins, concluding with a long, ethereal, violet-inflected finish. One of the most precise and seamless renditions of Le Gréal in recent years, it remains harmonious and finely balanced, representing the essence of this remarkable address.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Lawther MW, jancisrobinson.com
Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Pristine violets, rose water, stemmy pulses, spring blossom, red plum and crushed graphite lead the aromatics of the 2023 Hermitage Le Gréal, with fleshy shadings adding another layer. Wrapped in ripe tannins and bright acidity, the 2023 is sensational, lifted by a beguiling retronasal citrus note that I presume comes from the 8% white varieties (mostly Marsanne) co-fermented for added poise. Glides effortlessly across the palate, finishing with impressive precision and masterfully tuned overall balance.
The 2023 Hermitage Le Gréal is on the road to success. Using roughly 10% of grapes from the Les Greffieux and 90% from the Le Méal lieux-dits, with the name Gréal being an attempt to transform both words into one, the 2023 was also co-fermented with 8% white varieties (mostly Marsanne). Swirling the glass unlocks pronounced verbena tea, crushed violet, rose water, stemmy subtleties, red plum, black cherry and fleshy flickers. Medium- to full-bodied, harmonious and well-defined, the 2023 is coming together really well. I can’t wait to taste it once bottled.
Syrah with 5% Marsanne co-planted. 90% Le Méal, 10% Les Greffieux. Cask sample. More floral than the straight Hermitage, with violet notes. Plenty of matière but lively and with energy as well. Firm, plentiful tannins coated and rounded by the fruit. Certainly has substance. A mix of power and finesse. Shows well today. (JL)