Wine Advisor
Franck Balthazar, Cornas Chaillot 2021
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Josh Raynolds
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.
About the Producer
The Franck Balthazar estate is located in the Rhône Valley in France and is a renowned family-run winery. This estate is known for producing exceptional Champagne and red wines from the Rhône Valley. Franck Balthazar is a fifth-generation winemaker who has inherited the family's traditions and winemaking techniques. He is renowned for crafting high-quality, organic, and biodynamic wines using traditional, hands-on methods. The Franck Balthazar estate focuses on producing wines from the Syrah grape variety, taking full advantage of the region's unique terroir and vine-growing conditions. At the Franck Balthazar estate, they have a deep respect for the power of nature and traditional winemaking practices. They adhere to a natural winemaking philosophy, minimizing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides as much as possible and following celestial calendars to guide their vineyard work and winemaking processes. This commitment allows them to produce wines with distinct flavors and elegant structures. The wines from the Franck Balthazar estate are versatile and can be enjoyed on various occasions and paired with different cuisines. Their red wines are praised for their rich fruit aromas, graceful tannins, and long-lasting finish. Whether it's Asian cuisine, barbecue, or traditional French dishes, these wines offer excellent pairing choices.
