Charles Baker

Ultramarine Wines

Charles Heintz Vineyard Blanc de Blancs Chardonnay 2016

Shay A
9.3

I compared this 2016 BdB to the 2017 Haliotide Late Disgorged BdB to get a feel for styles. Followed over two days with no change.

One of the better Ultramarine wines I’ve had, and definitely pre-funk. I feel like the last few vintages have shown a lot of bottle variation and sometimes a green/herbal profile, mostly in the BdN and BdB (never in the rosé, that’s my favorite wine in the portfolio).

The older vintages always had a distinct cream-soda aromatic to them that I loved, and this has it in spades alongside truffle Honeycomb and spiced apple. Oxidative flair but not an overly oxidative sparkler. Great depth and richness here…almonds, lemon cream, caramel-green apple. Wears the low dosage so well. Broad on the palate (in a good way). I’d be fine drinking this without food. Tasty.
— 7 days ago

Juan, Vanessa and 21 others liked this

Charles Smith

Kungfu Girl Washington State Riesling 2021

Pale lemon color.
Aromas of lime, floral, mineral.
Dry. Flavors of lime, pear, peach, ginger, honeysuckle.

Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 2/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5
— a month ago

Charles Heidsieck

Brut Réserve Champagne Blend

David T
9.2

Haven’t sipped this in quite awhile. 375ml to refresh my palate memory.

40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay and 20% Meunier. Varietals fermented separately in stainless steel vats. 5 to 10% of wine is vinified in old Burgundy oak barrels.

Texture is round and elegant. The fruits are; both peach, mango, apricots, slightly oxidative white citrus-lime hovers the edges & pineapple juice. Nougat, marzipan, toasted nuts, brioche, saline, crushed chalk, white spice that presses into the palate, notes of cheese cloth, limestone marl, moist, pulpy, grey volcanic minerals, yellow lilies with spring white flowers, jasmine blooms, round, soft acidy and a well; balanced, structured & tensioned finish that lands squarely on mid minerality and lasts 90 seconds.

Photos; Charles Heidsieck signage, Charles Heidsieck, chalky tasting area in their cellar and Cote de Blanc vineyard.
— 19 days ago

Severn, Ira and 12 others liked this

Charles Joguet

Clos de la Dioterie Chinon Cabernet Franc 2017

Really good Chinon. This has a richness to it that you don’t find in many Chinon’s. Not too big and really smooth. Great food wine! — a month ago

Paul, Peter and 6 others liked this

Charles Krug

Family Reserve Generations Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2018

Love the story behind generations and love the wine. — a month ago

Charles Krug

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 1914

Dark purple in color. Rich tannins. Flavors of black cherry, blackberry and currant, with a hint of cocoa. Nice mouth feel. — 11 days ago

Charles Krug

Vintage Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

Cork fell apart for the 2nd time on the same wine Juice was great though — 3 years ago

Charles Smith

The Velvet Devil Washington State Merlot 2021

Medium ruby color.
Aromas of black plum, vanilla.
Dry. Flavors of plum, vanilla, cinnamon, peppercorn. Medium-rich, velvety tannins.

Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 2/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5
— a month ago

Ultramarine Wines

Charles Heintz Vineyard Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé 2018

J Choi
9.4

Bdb. So distinct & california. Sun & fruit. — 2 months ago