Meg Herring

9.0

Merlot made in a Solera system. Incredibly juicy and a little bit nutty. Really fun style of Merlot! — 7 years ago

Jim McCusker

9.2

Got this bottle at the winery back in 2011. Just a great example of what Mendoza does best. If we had opened this 2-3 years ago I think it would have been better, as I think the extended aging caused the tannic backbone to dissipate a bit too far to keep this alive on the palate. Nevertheless, the fruit on the nose is terrific - great aromas of dried blackberries, a touch of menthol, and just a hint of earthiness on the edge. Palate reflects the nose with the exception that it’s not as vibrant as I would have liked (and we dropped the wine a couple of degrees below cellar temp to see if we could amplify the acidity a bit, to no avail). Still, the wine is really seamless and exhibits a nice balance through a nice, silky finish. This particular wine apparently is not exported to the States, so if you have the means I highly recommend a visit to Catena Zapata! — 8 years ago

with Vanessa

Alex Bullock

8.9

Very accessible, well balanced. Oak comes through beautifully with vanilla and dill; noble tannins amplify a smooth and luxurious mouthfeel. Cedar, warm baking spices. Delicious. — 10 years ago

Jordan Wardlaw

9.3

Tightly wound yet highly aromatic, this is drinking with electric acidity while providing some good weight. Aromatics are very floral with scents of damp roses, bergamot, orange, wild mushroom, black tea and potting soil. Palate is very much on the bright end of the fruit spectrum with pomegranate and blood orange flavors but very dominated by savory notes of fennel, anise, soy sauce and smoked meats. Everything very lifted up and buoyed by the bright acidity. This particular bottle may be showing some accelerated maturity (less than optimum storage conditions?) but the freshness and verve on the palate bely that initial impression. Exotic foods will definitely amplify the terroir and complexity of this wine. Ideal pairing with a variety of Asian foods, game meat and salmon. Fantastic. — 7 years ago

Zack Hall

8.9

I like it. Does not taste like the merlot my mom drinks. — 8 years ago

Tom Kobylarz

9.3

Ultramarine 2012 Blanc des Noir Sparkling wine, Sonoma Coast

Believe the hype here kids, this is the best domestic sparkling wine made in the Traditionelle Methode I have tasted to date.

A beautiful mousse that was fresh and dense, excellent bubble streams. The nose was clearly Pinot Noir showing glimpses of red fruits mixed with golden delicious apples, yellow plums and an essence of stone and minerality.

The palate was alive and energetic, with a perfect bead texture from the bubbles, the flavors amplify in density and precision. Excellent acidity and a long, pure finish.
#ultramarinewine @Michael Cruse — 9 years ago

Jay Svoboda

9.0

First glass showed a lot of sediment so I filtered and decanted this bottle - and was rewarded. The nose is an intriguing blend of smoke, bacon fat, black current and a blast of menthol. The palette not only confirms but seems to amplify them, finishing with a bit of oaky sweetness. Well done wine from this family winery. — 10 years ago

R Brazell

9.4

Strawberry shortcake and white flowers — 8 years ago

Linden McGreevy

9.0

Carbonic cranberries. — 8 years ago

Dan Bruton

9.1

This bottle is much more than your classic white. It oozes fruity aromas whilst still packing that subtle tangy punch. Extensive research has confirmed that, contrary to popular beliefs, this treat is best sipped straight from the bottle to amplify the fruitastic flavours. — 9 years ago

with Mark

Tom Kobylarz

9.7

Fantastic potential, a baby so let it be for a few more years to amplify complexity. #abreu
— 10 years ago

David deLaski

9.2

Delicious! Understated lime mineral grassy. So compliments our chicken Tagine right now. — 11 years ago