Ultramarine Wines
Charles Heintz Vineyard Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA
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.
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.
Candied fruit, biscuit. Length and vinous took a while to open up
Candied fruit, biscuit. Length and vinous took a while to open up
Dec 31st, 2024
There is no better domestic bubbly. Whole family were very impressed with this. The producer allocates me the absolute bare minimum, so I’m only able to secure one bottle. Oh well, at least I get to taste it…
There is no better domestic bubbly. Whole family were very impressed with this. The producer allocates me the absolute bare minimum, so I’m only able to secure one bottle. Oh well, at least I get to taste it…
Dec 24th, 2023Strawberry, rhubarb, blood orange, and exotic spice. Mind blowing
Strawberry, rhubarb, blood orange, and exotic spice. Mind blowing
Sep 14th, 2023One of the bottles I provided for a co-hosting with Mark at the City Club wine group. The starter before Mark’s 1979 Schramsberg mag and 1980 Montelena mag.
Tasty, but I found this different than the 2014 (still haven’t popped the 2015). Salmon color in the glass with a dash of pink. Faint strawberry marscapone, red berry fruit aromatically. Layers of strawberries and a distinct mineral and rose note, but this seemed lighter and less fruit forward than the 2014. Lovely finish. I felt the 2014 had loads of time ahead of it when I had it, but for me, this seemed either in an odd spot or at a point where it’s time to enjoy. I’d wager it’s more of the former.
One of the bottles I provided for a co-hosting with Mark at the City Club wine group. The starter before Mark’s 1979 Schramsberg mag and 1980 Montelena mag.
Tasty, but I found this different than the 2014 (still haven’t popped the 2015). Salmon color in the glass with a dash of pink. Faint strawberry marscapone, red berry fruit aromatically. Layers of strawberries and a distinct mineral and rose note, but this seemed lighter and less fruit forward than the 2014. Lovely finish. I felt the 2014 had loads of time ahead of it when I had it, but for me, this seemed either in an odd spot or at a point where it’s time to enjoy. I’d wager it’s more of the former.
Again, this example came to party. Family loved it, as did I. Must secure some more!
Again, this example came to party. Family loved it, as did I. Must secure some more!
Dec 25th, 2022
It’s not Fac-Simile lol, but enjoyable with its strawberries & cream-like profile with a balanced acid cut and layered minerality. It misses the depth and concentration of an elite rosé, but for let’s say $600 less than those nowadays, it’s pretty solid, but ultimately overhyped.
It’s not Fac-Simile lol, but enjoyable with its strawberries & cream-like profile with a balanced acid cut and layered minerality. It misses the depth and concentration of an elite rosé, but for let’s say $600 less than those nowadays, it’s pretty solid, but ultimately overhyped.
Aug 28th, 2022First time trying this, and it’s a beauty. Nice salmon pink appearance, which evokes similar notes on the palate. Baked croissant and watermelon present, along with pomegranate. Moderately sweet with a fine mousse, this is so enjoyable. Drinking this now as we won’t make the ball drop.
First time trying this, and it’s a beauty. Nice salmon pink appearance, which evokes similar notes on the palate. Baked croissant and watermelon present, along with pomegranate. Moderately sweet with a fine mousse, this is so enjoyable. Drinking this now as we won’t make the ball drop.
An example of next-generation California sparkling wine. Very excited about this new rosé. It's fantastic.
An example of next-generation California sparkling wine. Very excited about this new rosé. It's fantastic.
5 people found it helpfulMar 20th, 2015