Great Vinous Reviews on Balthazar

Today we have the stellar new releases from Franck Balthazar with exactly the kind of impressive scores you'd expect from this producer.  The 2022 Cotes du Rhone wasn't reviewed, but is always a stellar drinker for the money!  All the 2021 notes and blurb below are from Vinous in December 2022.

"Franck Balthazar is yet another tiny domaine in the region whose wines have become highly sought-after over the last decade; worldwide demand now far exceeds production. Predictably, market prices reflect this growth. Balthazar is a fastidious farmer and careful winemaker, which has earned him tremendous respect from his neighbors on the Cornas hill. All whole clusters are used here, no new oak, and as little sulfur as possible."

2021 Balthazar Cornas Cuvee Casimir - VM 92-94
"Deep magenta. Sharply defined red and blue fruit and spice qualities on the nose, along with intense floral, botanical herb and smoky mineral accents. Taut and gently chewy in texture, offering vibrant bitter cherry, cassis and spicecake flavors that deepen through the back half. In a juicy and energetic style, finishing very long and spicy, with polished tannins framing lingering cherry and spice notes. All whole clusters."

2021 Balthazar Cornas Cuvee Sans Soufre Ajoute - VM 94-96
"Cassis, cherry pit, candied licorice and smoked meat aromas are complemented by suggestions of black tea and potpourri. Appealing sweet and focused on the palate, offering intense black and blue fruit, exotic spice and candied violet flavors and a touch of smokiness. Finishes extremely long and youthfully tannic, with the blue fruit, spice and smoke notes repeating."

2021 Balthazar Cornas Chaillot - VM 95-97
"Opaque magenta. Intensely perfumed, mineral-tinged aromas of fresh black and blue fruits, licorice, bacon fat and olive paste, along with a suave floral overtone that builds as the wine opens up. Stains the palate with deeply concentrated but vibrant blackberry, boysenberry, violet pastille and exotic spice flavors, plus a smoky mineral flourish that gains strength through the back half. Chewy tannins shape an extremely long, mineral- and floral-driven finish that shows superb clarity and spicy drive."

Orders which include wines marked PRE-ARRIVAL that are combined with in stock items will be available for shipping/collection once all items have arrived at our warehouse.

If you place an order it may be held for more favorable shipping weather.  If you would like to discuss expedited shipping options just contact us.  Orders are automatically insured for $100, you can add additional insurance at checkout.

Automatically receive a discounted ground shipping rate when you order a full case of 12 bottles (mix and match - 750ml only).  Shipping promotion not valid for combination with previous orders.  Pricing for this offer only and not retroactive.

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-The Bottle List