Charles Vincent

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 — 6 days ago

Ira and Tom liked this

Vincent Dauvissat

La Forest Chablis 1er Cru Chardonnay 2010

Strangely oxed day one, glorious day two. Maybe it’s me? — a month ago

Daniel, Scott@Mister and 6 others 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

Vincent Girardin

Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru Chardonnay 2021

Taste as like Burgundy. 2021 Olivier — 2 months ago

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.
— a month ago

Vanessa, Somm and 24 others liked this
Jan A

Jan A

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

Vincent Dauvissat

Les Preuses Chablis Grand Cru Chardonnay 2012

Dauvissat perfection. 2012 Preuses is in an amazing spot, riveting, chiseled, textural and pure with classic Chablisen oyster shell minerality in a tidal wave of spiced orchard fruit, lilies and the slightest nutty edge. It’s incredibly silky on the palate showing killer density without weight. Lasers of racy citrusy acids and a long saline finish round it out. Fabulous showing. — 2 months ago

Jan, Vino and 8 others liked this

Vincent Dauvissat

Vaillons Chablis 1er Cru Chardonnay 2018

Nose: elegant density. Lemon flower. White flowers. Complex. As this opens mushrooms.

Palate: some gras. Mineral. Some green apple.
— 4 months ago

Andrew, Lyle and 2 others liked this

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

Vincent Dancer

La Romanée Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Chardonnay 2019

1200 bottles produced — a month ago

Rob, Peter and 7 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