Charles Armand

Charles Heidsieck

Brut Réserve Champagne Blend

The first two glasses did little to nothing for me, but that opening shyness turns into an expressive full-bodied mouthful as more air gets on it. Very dominate notes of pastry, the creaminess of baked apple pie, marzipan and apricot run into the richness and depth of aged reserve wines. Still has a polished feel that takes away some needed acid. Have it with chicken or pork dishes — 4 days ago

Ira and Tom liked this

Charles Joguet

Clos de la Dioterie Chinon Monopole Cabernet Franc 2015

Very much enjoyed this. Graphite, red currants, earth. — 2 months ago

David, Peter and 4 others liked this

Charles Joguet

Les Varennes du Grand Clos Chinon Cabernet Franc 2005

Holding up the best of a trio of sketchy old Loire reds. With air this reveals black currant, mesquite, tobacco, tomato leaf and slightest hint of raspberry. Still excellent but needs food — 2 months ago

Serge, Tom and 7 others liked this

Domaine Armand Rousseau

Chambertin Grand Cru Pinot Noir 2001

With a four hour decant this 2001 Rousseau Chambertin was ethereally light with a good finish but not as complex or the signature sappy fruit associated with Rousseau. A good wine not great. Next time will use a two hour decant — 6 days ago

Charles Heidsieck

Millésimé Brut Champagne Blend 2012

#AgedWineTuesday

Light yellow in color.

Strong nose of apples, yeast, spices, bread, minerals and sea salt.

Medium plus in body with medium plus acidity, and medium plus sized bubbles.

Dry on the palate with citrus, apples, pears, light earth, yeast, vegetables, spices and bitter herbs.

Nice finish with limes and almonds.

This 13 year old Vintage Champagne feels young and needs 5 years in the bottle to mature properly.

Rich and extracted with lots of bread notes. Elegant and robust.

Showing nice complexity, and will continue to age nicely in the next 10 years.

Paired beautifully with fresh oysters.

A blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. Disgorged in 2020.

12% alcohol by volume.

91 points.

$120.
— a month ago

Doug, Jay and 11 others liked this

Ultramarine Wines

Charles Heintz Vineyard Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé 2015

Shay A
9.3

One of the bottles I brought for a guys night of rosé sparklers and Brunello.

I’ve been on the Ultramarine list for close to 10yrs. I’ve opened bottles young, old and everywhere in-between (both based on vintage and in relation to disgorgement), and after such a disappointing experience with the 2020s (after reading all the CT notes, I opened a ‘20 of each cuveé and found a profile that is not reminiscent of the early Ultramarine days at all), I wanted to open something that reminded me of the good ‘ol days with Ultramarine.

Amongst Egly’s rosé, Krug’s rosé, Westborn’s rosé and tons of grower champagnes, this wasn’t a standout but it was enjoyable and paired beautifully with the food. This bottle was closer in experience to the 2014 (good richness, fruit, but also big structure) vs the 2016 (lighter/brighter, more mineral). Salmon color in the glass with a dash of pink. Not overly reductive or oxidative with waves of red berry fruit and strawberry marscapone. Lovely richness on the palate with some strawberry shortbread cookies amongst more red berry fruit but a nice mineral streak down the middle. Layered. Mousse isn’t quite creamy but it’s soft. Nod to grower champagne with Cali warmth.

This is in a nice integrated spot where the fruit is taking a step back and dancing with the mineral notes. No rush to open, but worth popping soon.
— 24 days ago

Vanessa, Somm and 24 others liked this
Jan A

Jan A

I've read the whole saga on WB about Ultramarine.. Shocking

Domaine Armand Rousseau

Charmes-Chambertin Grand Cru Pinot Noir

Elegant and refined. What a treat. Long smooth and caressing finish. — a month ago

David Stein
with David
Ira and Jan liked this
Ira Schwartz

Ira Schwartz Influencer Badge Premium Badge

@Bruce Leboff Vintage ? Thanks for
Bruce Leboff

Bruce Leboff

It was a 2001

Uroulat (Charles Hours)

Jurançon Petit Manseng 2019

Nice dessert wine that is somewhat sweet. Nice with my Sherbet dessert. — 2 months ago

J Melba C. Hensley
with J and Melba