Loading lot details…
The May 2023 Auction: Part 2
Swipe left for previous · Swipe right for next
1 / 2Lot 549
Estimate: $85
Wrinkled capsules, lightly scuffed label.
Sold:
This auction has ended. Bidding is closed.
Collection name
Reviews
95VM
"Dark ruby. An expansive bouquet evokes ripe cherry and blackberry, game, violet and exotic spices, plus a smoky mineral overtone. Weighty yet lively as well, offering intense kirsch, dark berry preserve, bacon, cracked pepper and allspice flavors and a touch of menthol. Finishes very long, sweet and subtly chewy, with round, even tannins lending shape and gentle grip. 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. If you ever encounter the unsulfured “Sans Soufre” Cornas bottlings in France, especially at any restaurants in the area, jump on them, as they are amazing but generally don’t hold up to extended shipping journeys. It’s a very strong case for the “drink local” argument. The 2020s have turned out fantastic, and Balthazar’s 2019s and 2018s belie the hot conditions of those years, except they do have a bit more tannic structure than I usually detect; however, it’s marginal and will likely allow the wines to age slower than usual."
Region
Red
Country
Score
"Dark ruby. An expansive bouquet evokes ripe cherry and blackberry, game, violet and exotic spices, plus a smoky mineral overtone. Weighty yet lively as well, offering intense kirsch, dark berry preserve, bacon, cracked pepper and allspice flavors and a touch of menthol. Finishes very long, sweet and subtly chewy, with round, even tannins lending shape and gentle grip. 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. If you ever encounter the unsulfured “Sans Soufre” Cornas bottlings in France, especially at any restaurants in the area, jump on them, as they are amazing but generally don’t hold up to extended shipping journeys. It’s a very strong case for the “drink local” argument. The 2020s have turned out fantastic, and Balthazar’s 2019s and 2018s belie the hot conditions of those years, except they do have a bit more tannic structure than I usually detect; however, it’s marginal and will likely allow the wines to age slower than usual."
Have questions?
The world's most influential fine-wine producer and the benchmark for Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and the Rhone. Its appellation (AOC) system codifies geography, grape and method, and its wines set the global standard for age-worthiness and terroir expression.
Spans the Syrah-driven northern crus of Cote-Rotie and Hermitage and the Grenache-based blends of the warmer south, led by Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Its wines are known for power, spice and warmth.
Syrah (Shiraz) produces dark, powerful reds with black fruit, pepper and smoked-meat notes. It yields elegant, perfumed wines in the northern Rhone and bold, rich styles in Australia.