Top Balade ever for the Wine Enthusiast (and top four of all-time, of the 91 Belle Glos wines they’ve reviewed). They say:
This appellation is an ideal place to produce this brand's bold style of Pinot Noir, as elegance persists with power. In this bottling, aromas of black plum, blackberry and mahogany lead into a rich, creamy palate layered in wild mint, pepper and dark fruit. A searing acidity leads into a candied vanilla finish.
Each year, Belle Glos makes this from the appellation they feel excelled the most. This year, it’s the Santa Lucia Highlands (though all of California is ecstatic over 2023).
If you remember, the 2022 Balade was a Tasting Panel 96 – and this 2022 vintage blows it away! (By two points for the Wine Enthusiast.)
“Balade,” by the way, is French for “the wanderer,” signifying that Wagner chooses what he feels is the best region in each vintage. 2023 is the first time Balade was sourced in the Santa Lucia Highlands – and may be the first time it’s clearly the class of the Belle Glos Pinot Noirs.
