Charles Brotte
Ultramarine Wines
Charles Heintz Vineyard Sparkling Pinot Noir Rosé 2015
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. — 3 days ago
Charles Joguet
Les Varennes du Grand Clos Chinon Cabernet Franc 2005
Holding up the best of a trio of sketchy old Loire reds. With air this reveals black currant, mesquite, tobacco, tomato leaf and slightest hint of raspberry. Still excellent but needs food — a month ago
Charles Krug
Family Reserve Generations Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2017
Loved it! Super smooth body snd pleasant flavor. — 3 months ago
Charles Heidsieck
Brut Réserve Champagne Blend
Charles Smith
M.C.K. (Motor City Kitty) Syrah 2014
Juicy dark beery fruit, healthy spice, balanced. — a month ago
"Odedi"
#AgedWineTuesday
Light yellow in color.
Strong nose of apples, yeast, spices, bread, minerals and sea salt.
Medium plus in body with medium plus acidity, and medium plus sized bubbles.
Dry on the palate with citrus, apples, pears, light earth, yeast, vegetables, spices and bitter herbs.
Nice finish with limes and almonds.
This 13 year old Vintage Champagne feels young and needs 5 years in the bottle to mature properly.
Rich and extracted with lots of bread notes. Elegant and robust.
Showing nice complexity, and will continue to age nicely in the next 10 years.
Paired beautifully with fresh oysters.
A blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. Disgorged in 2020.
12% alcohol by volume.
91 points.
$120. — 10 days ago