2021 Franck Balthazar Cornas Chaillot

The Balthazar family has worked the steep granite slopes of Cornas since 1931, and the estate is now led by Franck, who left his engineering career in 2002 to take over from his father René and continue the traditional methods established across three generations. The domaine farms just over 4 hectares, centered on old Sérine vines in Mazards, La Côte and a notable 1914 planting in Chaillot, with further terraces developed on the high, rugged slopes of Lègre and Les Prés. Viticulture is fully organic and worked largely by hand, with a strong commitment to historic practices in the vineyard and cellar, including whole-cluster, native-yeast fermentations in concrete and élevage in old demi-muids without fining or filtration. These elements, together with the quality of the sites, have positioned Balthazar as one of Cornas' most respected traditional producers and a significant contributor to the appellation's modern revival.

Other Reviews....
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.
95-97 points
Josh Raynolds - Vinous