Shay A

9.3

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. — 4 days ago

Robert Ahlstrom

9.3

Deep garnet with purple rim, well balanced acidity and tannins, ripe cherries and leather on the palate — 22 days ago

Mark Mannebach

9.1

Smooth finish with tones chocolate tobacco, dark red fruit and some spice — 18 days ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Popped and poured, enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2021 pours a straw color with medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of yellow apple, peach, honeysuckle, squishy, pineapple, clove. On the palate, the wine is dry, but showing significant fruit. So much so that it almost gives the impression of being off-dry. Acid is medium. Confirming the notes from the nose where the honeysuckle note is crazy powerful. The finish is long and there’s a slightly oily texture. A great, young Chave Blanc with a very bright future. Drink now with patience to allow it to open and drink through 2046+. Bottle 05182
— 3 days ago

Conrad Green

9.2

Supple and fresh candied nose of red fruit. Grippy and fresh. Good balance. — 13 days ago

with Gregg and Peter

Lee Pitofsky

9.6

07 is an a fabulous place, expressive, detailed and defined wafting layers of creme de cassis, camphor and violets with a vibrant and velvety palate with soft tannins and a long mineral inflicted finish. An absolute classic and an elegant rendition in 2007, and fully open for business! — 2 hours ago

Amy

9.0

had at stockyard, loved, $25 a bottle from store — 5 hours ago

Billy L.

8.9

CHARLES HEIDSIECK, BRUT RESERVE, REIMS NV- Champagne Tasting @ Hi-Time Wines Costa Mesa, (Consensus this was “Least favorite” 🍾 of 8; off-putting style…!?) — 19 days ago

Jay Kline

9.2

This bottle had been opened the night before. The 2021 pours a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of tart and ripe black and red fruits: mixed brambles, purple flowers, olives, black pepper, stony earth and a mix of cool and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acidity. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ and peppery. True to the vintage, this is a cooler expression of Chave’s Saint Joseph and I really dig it. Drink now through 2041. — 19 days ago

Tom Elliot

Founder Northwest Wines

9.1

Full-bodied and fully mature. Very good but was expecting magic that did not happen. — 6 days ago