Franck Balthazar took over the family domaine, dating back to 1931, in 2002. His father René had been in charge since 1950 and had overseen the move into domaine bottling in the 1970s, at the same time as his contemporaries Auguste Clape and Noël Verset. The domaine has extended from the 2 hectares of 2002 (1 ha of centenarian vines Chaillot and one 50 year old hectare in Mazzard) to around 6ha today - plantings on an extreme site above Sabarotte were added in 2005 & 2008 on newly formed terraces. This willingness to do things the hard way in pursuit of excellence is a hallmark of Franck's work, in keeping with time-honoured tradition that his grandfather, Casimir, would recognise. Vineyards are organic and ploughed with a horse, ferments are whole cluster with native yeasts in concrete vats. To retain the perfume gifted by old vines and high-perched plantings all wines are aged in old 600 litre demi-muid. Sulphur is kept to an absolute minimum, indeed all winemaking techniques are as natural as possible. All whole cluster ferments.

Franck Balthazar Cornas Chaillot 2022
13% abv
This is Franck’s flagship wine from the fruit of century-old Petite Sirah vines from the famed & revered Chaillot vineyard. A parcel acquired from Noël Verset. A small portion of 50 year old vines from his Mazzards parcel is included. Wines age in demi muid for 18 months and are bottled without fining or filtration.
“The 2022 Cornas Chaillot is a brilliant showcase of Franck Balthazar’s capabilities. Revealing a dense, complex bouquet of dark wild berries, mulberries, blueberries, spices and flowers, it’s full-bodied, dense and ample, seamless and layered with a racy character, capturing the energetic qualities of this prime hillside terroir to perfection and concluding with a long, saline finish. It’s the king of the cellar that will improve with time in the cellar.” 2028 – 2042
95 Points, Yohan Castaing, The Wine Advocate, March 2025
“Franck Balthazar fans will need to get their hands on the 2022 Cornas Chaillot, a full-bodied, concentrated and taut Syrah with pedigree and class. Vivid violet, ripe black fruit, licorice, cedar and stemmy elements are all pushed forward. Fleshy subtleties add more complexity. Rich, layered and very long, the 2022 Chaillot is a magnificent Cornas that will need at least four more years before it starts to unleash its full potential.” 2029 – 2039
94 Points, Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous, Nov 2024
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2022 | Bonded | Cornas | Europe | France | Franck Balthazar | Red | Rhone | Shiraz / Syrah | Still | WineImportant. This is a bonded product and is priced exclusive of Duty and VAT. Wines must be purchased by the unmixed case. The case size is detailed in the Product Details. After purchase we will contact you to arrange either the wine's continued storage in a bonded warehouse as designated by HM Customs & Excise or for the payment of the pertinent Duty and VAT, where after delivery can be arranged. Transfer & delivery fees will be charged at cost.
- Reference #:
- 22670_B
- Strength
- 13 ABV
- Bottles per Case
- 12 bottles
- Grapes
- Shiraz / Syrah
- Organic
- Yes
- Biodynamic
- No
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
- Sparkling
- No
