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. — 3 months ago
Notes are cumbersome, so no notes today but plus side, scores are honest and I should be a professional reviewer, LOL. (Good, but not 2019 good, detailed notes on future bottles...)
On the Lawn at Tanglewood this final afternoon with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Our guest conductor Michael Tilson Thomas is leading IVES (Psalm 90) and BEETHOVEN (Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Opus 125).
After a two-year pause, we arrive again to the day when Beethoven concludes on these hallowed grounds. The 9th by Beethoven is always bittersweet for us, as it marks the end of the official Symphony and Pops season for the BSO at their Summer home. It is a wonderful and singularly emotive piece moved with the full force of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus (110+) conveying the message of a divine spark of joy that makes all people one. The music and the day almost bring me to tears on an annual basis...
'Freude, schöner Götterfunken!' / 'Joy, beauteous, godly spark!' — 3 years ago
The rose which I judge all other roses every year. It’s never disappointed and usually tastes better than I remember. 2024 is the same. A lot of acidity, lemons, strawberry cream, more berries, a touch of melon, saline, shells. This could go with any food. Love it. — 2 months ago
Fresh, softly fruity, not sweet. Perfect in day time, should drink cold. — 8 months ago
Nice traditional rose from Provence, France. Dry, light, easy to drink on hot day — 2 years ago
I want to drink this all summer — 3 years 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. — 2 months ago
Stone fruit and citrus. Easy drinking and delicious for a spring or summer day in the sun. — 9 months ago
Deeper in color than a trendy Provence rosé this also celebrates grenache in all its glory - red cherry, strawberry, raspberry and white peach on the nose and palate. Good acidity and a lovely red fruit juiciness. Wonderful with food, but equally enjoyable on its own — 3 years ago
Neil Valenzuela
Deep pink color. Aromas cherry jolly rancher, red candied apple and flint. So good, crisp and cold on a nice day at Carmel-by-the-Sea. — 7 days ago