2018 Franck Balthazar Crozes-Hermitage (750ml) Pre-Arrival

"Franck Balthazar has been working the domaine's 4.5 hectares organically since 2010, including a parcel of century-old vines in Chaillot he acquired from his uncle, Noël Verset. As those vines have needed replacement, he uses sélections massales to fill the gaps. All the wines are made with indigenous yeasts and whole clusters, matured in old demi-muids for 18 months without racking." - Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate)

"Bright violet color. Mineral-accented dark berries and licorice on the pungent, incisive nose. Offers gently sweet black raspberry. Blueberry flavors show very good clarity and pick up a sexy floral quality with aeration. Displays strong, energetic lift and cut on the gently tannic, persistent finish, which features resonating blue fruit and exotic spice notes (all whole clusters). 91-93 points"
- Josh Raynolds (Vinous, July 2019)