We have a bit of the Crozes Hermitage from Franck Balthazar. A favorite traditional winemaker in Cornas who returned to the region from his corporate job to resurrect his grandfather and father's Domaine, Balthazar is doing great work and proving himself as a contender against many Cornas greats. His limited use of sulfur is like that of Thierry Allemand and is part of the magic of these wines, creating an almost overwhelmingly fresh, complex, and structured wine. Balthazar ages his wine in 600L demi muid or casks which helps the wine achieve more elegance and perfume. Balthazar's Crozes-Hermitage is from organic 40-year-old vines and is balanced, refined, elegant, and shows a good sense of place—the sweet spot for the price in Balthazar's lineup. Balthazar's ever-growing popularity has made it harder to find these wines, but we have a limited amount of this one today, and after a few years in the bottle, it is showing very well.

Vinous (Josh Raynolds) 92 points! " Deep, glistening ruby. Aromas of spice-accented dark berries and cherry, with a smoky nuance that builds in the glass. Silky and broad on the palate, offering juicy black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors with a hint of candied flowers. Finishes youthfully taut and long, with repeating florality and polished tannins that add shape and firming grip. (Drink between 2024-2032)"