Balthazar, Franck 2021 Cornas "Cuvée Casimir Balthazar"

The beautiful 2021 "Cuvee Casimir Balthazar" is 75% young Syrah vines from La Lègre (firm granite), 25% Syrah from Les Mazards (1961, clay, decomposed granite), both sites more the southern sector,100% whole bunch, 2 week vinification, wild yeasts, pumping over then manual cap punching, aged in 5-year plus 600-litre casks for 14-18 months. "Dark red; the nose has a soft air led by crushed blackberries, licorice, floral touches, is a touch reduced. The palate is cosy, en rondeur, its fruit very approachable, mixed berries, supple, sandy tannins, is juicy and all well connected between nose and palate, a spherical wine with a neat, accurate finish. From mid-2024. Drink until 2040-42" - Drink Rhone.