Enjoyable each time. Glad I bought a case. — 15 days ago
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. — 12 hours ago
Light body, salmon in color and grapefruit with some lemon zest on the palate. — a month ago
2004 vintage. This was a highlight reel. Acidity, dirty, pretty, fabulous mousse, delicate, concentrated, fruit, long finish. It had it all at some point in the tasting experience. Looks to go long in this state…at least another 7-8 years (till 2033) without any noticeable dropoff. Can’t remember the last time I had a better rosé brut. Magical. 03.01.25. — a month ago
70% Gamay, 30% Poulsard — 11 days ago
The label was in absolute tatters but all other signs appeared to be good with this bottle. Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 1990 Grand Année Rosé pours a deep coral color with very little mousse that dissipates in the glass quickly. On the nose, this was funky initially so we tossed it in the decanter which freshened it up. After 30min, it was positively singing! Desiccated strawberry, crème brûlée, pink flowers, and fino sherry. On the palate, the wine is dry with high acid. This showed remarkable power which was so impressive. I can’t say I’ve ever had a Rosé with quite this amount of age but boy did it ever work. If anyone has any of these laying around; I might suggest giving it a splash in the decanter for 30min first. Drink now. — a month ago
Ely Cohn
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.
— 4 days ago