Ultramarine Wines
Blanc de Blancs Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay
California, USA
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.
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.
I usually flip these. However, thought I’d share a bottle with friends who have never had. It’s good but, I always say after each sip mentally, where’s the chalk?
I usually flip these. However, thought I’d share a bottle with friends who have never had. It’s good but, I always say after each sip mentally, where’s the chalk?
May 26th, 2024@Delectable Wine : This is the new Ultramarine Michael Mara Vineyard Blanc de Blanc. I didn’t see it in the database.
I normally hold my Ultramarine a few years after release, but wanted to see how this new vineyard offering showed alongside the same vintage Charles Heintz BdB. Our group also opened a 2012 Ultramarine Charles Heintz BdN late disgorged.
Traditionally, I’ve found the Charles Heintz to show the classical vineyard expression of pure and ripe fruit, a small amount of oxidation of the fruit, and a distinct cream soda note. With that being said, the Michael Mara was quite different. Aromatically, it comes across like ripe Chablis. Much more lean and bright on the palate. Little bit of flint, lots of ripe lemon, Granny Smith apple, and a mineral/stony quality. Zippy acidity but the finish does pack a punch. Just like the other Ultramarine wines, this absolutely sports a great grower champagne vibe.
@Delectable Wine : This is the new Ultramarine Michael Mara Vineyard Blanc de Blanc. I didn’t see it in the database.
I normally hold my Ultramarine a few years after release, but wanted to see how this new vineyard offering showed alongside the same vintage Charles Heintz BdB. Our group also opened a 2012 Ultramarine Charles Heintz BdN late disgorged.
Traditionally, I’ve found the Charles Heintz to show the classical vineyard expression of pure and ripe fruit, a small amount of oxidation of the fruit, and a distinct cream soda note. With that being said, the Michael Mara was quite different. Aromatically, it comes across like ripe Chablis. Much more lean and bright on the palate. Little bit of flint, lots of ripe lemon, Granny Smith apple, and a mineral/stony quality. Zippy acidity but the finish does pack a punch. Just like the other Ultramarine wines, this absolutely sports a great grower champagne vibe.
10/9/22 Tasting group.
10/9/22 Tasting group.
Oct 10th, 2022
High toned, with white flowers and citrus, almond skin, stone fruit, fine bead ⚡️😍
High toned, with white flowers and citrus, almond skin, stone fruit, fine bead ⚡️😍
Nov 9th, 2024Fresh, lemon zest and pastry crust, nice acidity 😋⚡️🍋
Fresh, lemon zest and pastry crust, nice acidity 😋⚡️🍋
Jun 27th, 2024Salted lemon, baguette, green apple, fine bead ✨
Salted lemon, baguette, green apple, fine bead ✨
Apr 28th, 2024
Always enjoy these wines. In a great spot!
Always enjoy these wines. In a great spot!
Mar 31st, 2024
Apples, apricot and something weird on the finish like coconut
Apples, apricot and something weird on the finish like coconut
Jan 1st, 2023