2018 Domaine Franck Balthazar "Chaillot" Cornas (Pre-Arrival)
SKU #1474992
96 points
Decanter
There's an initial touch of reduction on the nose, underneath there's fresh blood, pink peppercorns and pine resin. Medium-bodied – and only just – this is very fluid on the palate but has plenty of impact and intensity. Great rising freshness, searing acidity and great tension. Long finish. Incredible vibrancy. Not the deepest perhaps, but this has all the untamed wild force of Cornas. Gently furry tannins, like stroking a dog. Centenarian vines from lieu-dit Chaillots, a parcel bought from Noël Verset. Organic viticulture, whole bunch, fermented in concrete, aged on old demi-muids, no fining or filtration. Drinking Window 2021 - 2032. (MW)
(7/2021)
95-96 points
Vinous
A highly perfumed nose evokes an array of fresh, mineral-accented dark fruits and pungent flowers, along with suggestions of game, licorice and incense. Palate-staining, appealingly sweet, spice-laced cherry, cassis and floral pastille flavors show superb energy and a smoky mineral quality that strengthens with air. Finishes on a youthfully tannic note, with building sweetness and a lingering suggestion of exotic spices. (JR)
(5/2020)
93-95 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Tasted from demi-muid, the 2018 Cornas Chaillot looks as if will rival the 2017. It features delicate tendrils of herbal and tea-like complexity entwined with dark, cassis and blackberry fruit. Full-bodied and rich, it seems velvety at first, then turns dusty and chewy on the lengthy finish. One for the cellar. (JC)
(12/2019)
K&L Notes
John Livingstone Learmonth The Cradle of the Rhone: "dark red; licorice features in an ebullient nose, with cassis, blue fruit present, smoky notes. The palate funnels dark, cool fruits, cassis to the fore, with roasting, toasting, firm tannins, a hint of violet. Near the finish it shows it is structured, firm Cornas, with good, clear fruit central to it. The fruit is notably active on the first half. It’s raw, promising, will fill out over time, has beaten the vintage heat. It needs leaving for three years. 13°. 2043-45 Dec 2019."