Franck Balthazar ‘Sans Soufre Ajouté,’ Cornas, France 2020

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 cultivation and vinification methods. This Cuvée is made from the estate's younger vines, only nine years old, vinified without sulfites from start to finish.  Pairing: Braised beef, short rib Grapes: Syrah  Soil: Granite Viticulture: Organic  Notes on the wine from John Livingstone of Drink Rhône: **** Shiny red robe; the nose is nicely reserved, comes with clear raspberry fruit, sweetness from heat, red cherries, a touch of smoke. The palate serves elegant Cornas, iron in a fine spine, crystalline red fruits, has a dainty tread. It’s digestible, beau, charming, a year of purity, definition. It’s good to have a year like this, one with clear virtues. The tannins are tasty and well defined, also. From 2023. If well, stably stored, 2040-42 July 2021