B-21 Top Recommendation Read More
From a domaine with a devoted following among Northern Rhône fans yet seldom seen in the American market, this 2022 Cornas gem from Franck Balthazar offers a rare collectible opportunity.
"Balthazar's wines are raw, expressive, fleshy and complex..." - Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous
Known for their supremely old-school style, Balthazar's wines are in high demand and short supply among the most clued in Northern Rhône collectors. His meticulous yet minimalist techniques start in the vineyard, "one of the best managed in the appellation," according to Wine Advocate's Yohan Castaing, and continue in the cellar, resulting in some of the most authentic and true-to-place Cornas expressions you'll find. The 2022 Casimir, sourced from old vines in Les Mezards and early-2000s vines in Legre, is the flagship of Balthazar's domaine and the hallmark introduction to his style – "Medium to full-bodied, layered and textured, it's elegantly juicy with good depth at the core, structured, youthful tannins and a long, spicy finish ... an impressive effort," according to Castaing. We just sourced this limited parcel at must-see, best-in-market pricing, and given the scarcity of Balthazar's wines in the market, serious Rhône fans will want to put some away while they can. |