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.
“This is declassified Cornas from the young vines that usually go into Casimir. So unlike all the other Syrah CDRs from this area it is actually off the high slopes of Cornas, not the flats below the village. Spicy herbal whole bunch notes drive the nose. Sweet ripe supple fruit starts the palate with the fruit flavours becoming super juicy, amplified further by the herbal whole bunch note. Tannins are moderate. A great textural style. Super value CDR” Importer Tim Stock, June 2012.
89 Points – “Bright purple. Intense red berry and cracked pepper aromas are complemented by a deeper note of candied licorice. Smoky and penetrating, with very good energy to its bitter cherry and raspberry flavors. Closes on a smoky note, with strong cut and supple tannins. Drinks very well now but I’ll bet that another year of bottle age will bring more richness.” Josh Raynolds, Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, Jun 13
3 STARS – “dark red robe. Meaty, hung game air, sweet notes such as prune, violet, fleshy black fruit. This is fine scented, gourmand, fleshy wine with not a lot of tannin – it is spherical, plump, close to ready. It draws together a touch at the end, has violet and tobacco there. Easy drinking, w.o.w. (what one wants) wine. 2020-21” John Livingston-Learmonth, drinkrhone.com Nov 2012
RRP $70
