Franck Balthazar Cuvée Casimir Balthazar Cornas 2012

Tasted in components: #1): High-pitched and precise, with spicy red fruit and floral pastille scents and a hint of smokiness. Juicy, subtly sweet raspberry and cherry flavors show very good energy, lift and cut; in a pinot style. #2): Deeper and darker in profile, displaying ripe cassis and olive character and a touch of licorice. Distinctly more masculine than the earlier barrel, finishing with firm tannins. #3): Heady, floral dark berries and smoked meat on the perfumed nose. Palate-staining and lively, offering sweet red and dark berry preserve flavors and a touch of bitter chocolate on the gently tannic finish. Score - 90-92. (Josh Raynolds, vinousmedia.com, March 2014)