Balthazar
Franck Balthazar
Cuvée Casimir Balthazar Cornas Syrah 2012
Lightest of the three in a flight of ‘12 Cornas, but by no means lacking in weight and substance. Leads with purple floral tones that give way to brambly berries, olives, meat and iron. Fabulous — 9 months ago
Isole e Olena
Cepparello Toscana Sangiovese 2007
Franck Balthazar
Chaillot Cornas Syrah 2015
Since I sadly can’t buy a bunch of TAllemand Chaillot (or even more unfortunately, Reynard), this producer’s expression is one I’ve been waiting to try. Only recently found out he is Noël Verset’s nephew (which certainly helped in getting those old vines from Chaillot!)
Double decanted for an hour before consuming the first half from the bottle the following few hours. Gorgeous translucent red-purple in the glass. Aromatics are bright and expressive…potpurri, black pepper, dark berry fruits, and whole cluster/stems. The palate is crunchy and energetic with peppered blackberries, herbaceous whole-cluster spice, and savory minerals. Lingering finish with big grip. It presents as a “big” cool climate Syrah (if that makes sense), not a burly rustic Cornas. Absolutely delicious.
Second half was consumed the following day and the finish was a bit more finesse driven with all the flavors in balance. Drink now with a couple hours of air or hold a few more years. Now to try the Sans Soufre… — a month ago
Domaine Auguste Clape
Cornas Syrah 1997
As Noël Verset started to divest in his vines, there were several producers who came away with some real treasures. The most famous was Franck Balthazar who was able to purchase Verset’s prized holdings in Chaillots. Perhaps less known is Auguste Clape also purchased some ex-Verset vines in the Sabarotte lieu-dit. The 1997 Clape pours a much deeper color, nearly opaque purple. Dense brambles with some black licorice, lavender pastilles and minerals. Somewhat reticent even at 25+ years old. The venison, umami bomb, potato and pearl onion helped coax this Clape from slumber though. Drinking well now but easily has the stuffing to see 2037 and possibly beyond. — a year ago
Remoissenet Père et Fils
Chambolle-Musigny Pinot Noir 1969
Franck Balthazar
Sans Soufre Cornas Syrah 2016
Silky, polished feel with a killer nose showing a deep mineral, meat, iron, olive, berry, spice & violet aromas — 8 months ago
Château des Laurets
Puisseguin St. Émilion Red Bordeaux Blend 2015
Had with dinner at Balthazar and loved it. Light tannins, drinkable and interesting but not funky — 3 years ago
"Odedi"
Pale lemon in color.
Aromatic nose of pears, apples, citrus, minerals, light honey and herbs.
Medium plus in body and refreshing, with medium plus acidity.
Dry on the palate with apples, citrus, light apricots, spices, earth, light vegetables and sea salt.
This is a very tasty Pinot Blanc from Alsace. Nicely balanced and easy drinking right out of the bottle. Elegant and fruit forward.
Good by itself as a sipping wine or with food. I paired it with a grilled red snapper.
13% alcohol by volume.
90 points.
$18. — a month ago