Description
The Balthazar family domaine was established in 1931 by Franck’s grandfather, Casimir Balthazar, when he purchased 1.2 hectares of vineyard in the area. The small familial domaine was continued by Franck’s father René from the 1950’s until Franck took it over in 2002. Since then he has bought, acquired and planted additional small parcels and today the domaine sits at 3.5 hectares. Today the holdings include 2 hectares of the hallowed Chaillot; 1.5ha of 50+ year old vines from his father on the steep granite slopes and 0.5ha of 100+ year old Petit Syrah inherited from his uncle, the revered Noel Verset, of the northern shoulder of Chaillot. The combination of old vines, miniscule yields (averaging only 750 doz a year!) and traditional vineyard and cellar practices make these wines a beacon for lovers of traditional Cornas that is unmistakable as the finest expression of Syrah from granitic based soils in all the world.
Of the 2010 vintage Jancis Robinson said: -“ Low yields of exceptionally good quality. 2010, one of the best years in the northern Rhone – possibly the best in history ! “
“This is a blend of the old vines in les Muzards and the young vines on the high slopes. Classic nose of brooding dark berry fruits with fruit spice and cool granitic minerality. The light oak note is woven seamlessly through the nose. Compact. The palate is perhaps more expressive, loaded with sweet ripe black fruits – confit black cherry, blackberry into cassis. The tannins are ripe and fairly gentle in their youth. Light dried herb note for the 60% whole bunches. Finishes with stoic minerality. A traditional style.” Importer Tim Stock, June 2012
92 Points – “Lurid ruby. Blackberry, spicecake and incense on the highly perfumed nose. Juicy and precise, offering intense black and blue fruit flavors and a touch of peppery spices. Gains sweetness with air and finishes with outstanding clarity and gentle tannic grip.” Josh Raynolds, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, March/April 13
3-4 STARS – “(used 600-litre cask, bottling April 2013) steady, quite full red robe. There is a toffee-aired, also floral roundness on the nose, which is ripe in nature, with berry and prune notes and earthy-soil aspects. The palate has an easy, tasty start … It is quite generous, ends on mineral grain. It is a palate of two halves – tasty, fat fruit, then Cornas granite and granules take over, the fruit becoming clearer. From mid-2014 or so. 13°. 2026-27” John Livingston-Learmonth, drinkrhone.com Nov 2012
Very Limited Beautiful expression of Syrah from an exceptional vintage in the Northern Rhone
