Franck Balthazar, Cornas Sans Soufre Ajoute

Franck Balthazar, Cornas Sans Soufre AjouteMade from Balthazar's youngest Cornas vines, the 2018 Cornas Sans Soufre Ajout showcases ebullient notes of fresh raspberries. It's full bodied, lush and velvety yet also fresh, vibrant and immediate. I'd drink it young to capture that spirit, in spite of the substantial, dusty, cocoa like tannins on the finish.

With fruit sourced from family-owned vineyards in Serralunga d’Alba

Les Fleurières

The wood treatment isn’t shy

The 2014 Barolo Rocche Rivera(from the Scarrone cru) packs a serious punch in its deceptively midweight frame

Silky in texture and lively on the palate

and can be drunk over the next 10-15 years

the 2004 Rosé is especially fine

I was able to discuss multiple topics (including Sherry wine

Here too there is a touch of menthol to the very floral and spicy aromas of primarily dark berries that are trimmed in a hint of sandalwood

(87-89)/2020+

(75% of the blend derives from 35+ year old vines in Les Barreaux and the remainder from 60+ year old vines in Aux Communes)

all wrapped in a youthfully austere and markedly stony finale