Shay A

9.3

With some inconsistencies the last year or two with Ultramarine, this was a nice refresher of how enjoyable they can be when showing well. I chose this as one of my 2018 Cali BdB sparklers I opened to see how the sparkling wine scene is evolving (also opened was a 2018 Haliotide BdB, 2018 Ultramarine Michael Mara BdB and 2018 Brick & Mortar Manchester Ridge BdB).

Over the last 7yrs or so of opening Ultramarine, I’ve found the Charles Heintz to show the classical vineyard expression of pure and ripe tropical fruit (guava), a small amount of oxidation of the fruit, and a distinct cream soda note. This 2018 lined up fairly close to those expectations (whereas the Michael Mara has been a bit more austere in the past, yet not as much barrel character as the one today). More “funk” and texture than the classical Haliotide, but not too far (nothing vegetal). The dosage feels on-point here. Follows the grower champagne vibe, but more to the natty side. — 2 months ago

Daniel Jara

8.9

Ciruela , mora negra, mineralizado, — a year ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.4

2015 vintage. A joint venture between the Roquette (Quinta do Crasto) and Cazes (Lynch Bages) families. Only produced from the best barrels in exceptional years. Old vines of Touriga Nacional, Tina Roriz and Touriga Franca from the Douro Superior and Cima Corgo sub-regions. Black fruit and violets. Seriously powerful, but it maintains elegance, thanks to the acidity balancing the layers of fruit and ripe tannins. Long lingering finish. Impressive. Abv. 14,5 % . — 2 years ago

Craig Phares

9.0

Bolder than expected. Dry and slightly acidic, with tobacco, plum, and cherry notes. Will get again. — 2 months ago

John Willison

9.2

Round yellow fruit, herbal, rich yeast. — 8 months ago

Matthew Cohen

9.0

Fruit is nice. Delicious early season cherries. Bright. Not very complex. A hint of bitterness. — 2 years ago

Ericsson

9.0

One of those unique Northern Spanish white wines that I’m always eager to try. — 4 years ago

Brad Jensen

9.4

This was the original wine that taught me what Chardonnay was capable of, and this one, with 8 years of aging still impressed. My friend Eric said it best, “it’s a schizophrenic wine”, the nose is wild and natural, super funky malo, with incredible tartness and yellow citrus, like an underripe pineapple and musty funk. The palate though on this slightly opaque, pale golden liquid is very different. Lemon curd, baked silky citrus explosion, with a woody, forest floor, and mineral like spine that rolls right down the middle, and ends with a surprisingly chalky and stony finish. Such a special site for wine, elevated by the measured hand of a veteran winemaker. @Chris Brockway — 3 months ago

Paul J

9.8

Wow! Awesome bottle/wine! Lovely gold color. Butter, minerals, Meyer lemons, camomile, and melons on the nose. Same on the palate with a refined texture and massive depth. Super complex wine that could go toe to toe with high-end White Burgs!! Prime drinking age, sad it’s my last of this vintage.

I thought this started to get overpriced, I am dead wrong!! Worth every penny!! — 8 months ago

with Brooke

Collin Clark

9.9

One of the best I’ve had. Better than the 1988 Tina Turner concert! 2006 vintage drinks like a cab but way better — 2 years ago

with Joanna