Jay Kline

9.0

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple of hours. The 2020 “Pétalos” pours a deep purple color with a magenta rim and an opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with ripe and tart black fruits: blackberries, black cherry, salmiakki, horse blanket, and mixed earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium. A crazy, ambitious wine that’s the result of assembling over 300 plots. Between Raúl Perez and Palacios, Mencia doesn’t get much better. Drink now through 2030. — 9 days ago

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

Russ Kujan

9.0

2023 vintage rose from Bandol in Provence. Deep salmon color, red fruit on the nose, lovely strawberry flavors, with balanced acidity and a tart finish. — 18 days ago

"Odedi"

9.2

Beautiful color of peach with a rustic tint.

Nose of over ripened apples, citrus, light red fruits, spices, minerals, yeast and brioche.

Medium plus in body with medium plus acidity and small bubbles.

Dry on the palate with strawberries, sweet raspberries, cherries, citrus, apples, yeast, light earth, brioche, spices, minerals sea salt and herbs.

Long finish with apples and herbs.

This is a delicious Champagne. Elegant and rich. Fruit forward and easy drinking. Complex and interesting.

100% Pinot Noir grapes.

12% alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$75. — 16 days ago

Ely Cohn

9.1

The same Tempier game - deep, textbook, best at cellar temp for nuanced aromas and weighted viscosity.

2018 is losing its fruit, at the end of the window where hints and dried versions of fresh fruit and spices still hang around.

Dried orange peel, grapefruit, peach, and soft red melon and furry raspberry.

— a month ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.6

2004 vintage. Last tasted 03.01.25 (9.6). Another decade beckons. Beautiful acidity and balance. Light-medium body. Exquisite color. Slightly metallic/copper flavor with decaying rose petals. At the top of the bell curve currently. Phenomenal. 04.04.25. — 21 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Blend of Grenache (34%), Barbera (32%), Counoise (16%), Mourvèdre (14%) and 4% other assorted red grapes. Light salmon pink color. Aromas of citrus fruits, red berries and white flowers. Flavors of strawberries, raspberries, orange, green melon, grapefruit and lemon. Lovely hint of salty and chalky minerality on the finish. Creamy texture (lees contact?) and very crisp acidity. Light bodied, clean and refreshing. Wonderful pairing with a salad. — 21 days ago

Brandon Boesch

9.5

The rose which I judge all other roses every year. It’s never disappointed and usually tastes better than I remember. 2024 is the same. A lot of acidity, lemons, strawberry cream, more berries, a touch of melon, saline, shells. This could go with any food. Love it. — 16 days ago

Raul Puga

9.3

Happy Easter to my delectable familia. — 6 days ago

Jane Nuss

9.4

Vivid pinkish-salmon hue with a fine stream of bubbles. Notes of strawberry, citrus peel, green apple, and brioche. Crisp acidity, a creamy mousse, and perfectly balanced dosage. Refreshing, elegant, and succulent, with a long, zesty finish. — 3 months ago