As is so often the case when we want ready-to-drink and approachable wines that don’t break the bank, we look to a master who is famous for wines that are far more grand. In this case, the master is Franck Balthazar.
Balthazar seems to be on the cusp of joining the pantheon of great Northern Rhône traditionalists. He has thoroughbred holdings of great old vines planted on amazing sites which he works naturally. In the winery he employs old-school techniques and vinifies with little intervention (aka "natural"). The result of all his hard work are wines that express their terroir in the pure and profound way that only the “best ever” manage. It’s no surprise that the great Northern Rhône writer, Jonathan Livingstone-Learmonth, honored him with his "STGT" (soil to glass transfer) label, a label he uses for the few producers who manage to express their terroir purely and directly in their wines.
Professional Reviews
Antonio Galloni
AG
94
"A powerfully scented bouquet evokes black raspberry, boysenberry, cola, candied licorice and potpourri, with a peppery accent adding vivacity. Stains the palate with sappy black and blue fruit flavors complicated by suggestions of violet pastille and spicecake. Clings impressively on the finish, which is lively, focused and very long..." -Vinous
Wine Spectator
WS
94
"This blazes a nice trail, with mouthwatering damson plum, loganberry and blackberry fruit liberally laced with sweet tapenade and a vibrant chalky spine. The long, briar-filled finish leaves a sappy black fruit feel hanging on."
Details
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Vintage
2009
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Size
750ml