Frank Balthazar took over his family estate in 2002, inheriting a few plots of century-old vines in prime Rhône Valley territory. In the vineyards and the cellar, he is a one-man show, a purist and a traditionalist who has perfected his methods of cultivation and vinification. You might be familiar with Chaillot from the famous Noël Verset. This granite-rich parcel of 97-year-old vines was purchased from Noël just a few years ago. In the cellar, the grapes are fermented whole bunch with stems, with manual punch downs. From here, the wine is moved to 600-liter demi-muids, where they are aged for about 18 months before bottling. 

Pairing: Grilled meats, rich duck prep 

Grapes: Syrah 

Soil: Granite

Viticulture: Organic 

Notes on the wine from John Livingstone of Drink Rhône:

*****

dark red. The nose is gentle, in formation, has an air of blackberry, herbs, spice and white pepper. The palate links well, is juicy and forward, has flexible tannins, pretty length, is floral towards the finish, where the juice shows through well. Its black cherry fruit digs in well. This is promising indeed. From 2025. 2045-47 Nov 2022 Previously July 2021 **** (cask) dark red; elderberry-blackberry depth on the nose, bacon fat, the depth well measured, has a hint of pork grilling, and a tea leaves minerality. The palate is fluid, streams along, serves running cherry fruit, spark in the tannins, good suave energy, holds well on an orderly close, a fine powder feel on the aftertaste. It can lengthen further. From 2025. 2044-46 July 2021