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. — 5 months ago
Pale salmon color.
Aromas of red berry fruit, toasted brioche, citrus.
Dry. Flavors of strawberry, bubblegum, lemon, toast.
Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 3/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5 — 2 years ago
13.5% ABV Salute to Lulu Peyraud of Domaine Tempier in France. Lulu’s father owned the vineyard , and she along with her husband took it over. Sadly we lost her in October 2020 at the age of 102 y/o. This is a blend of old vine Mataro and Grenache. Light salmon color, watermelon initially , later apple. Very nice! — 3 years ago
Popped and poured and consumed over two days; best on Day 2. 100% Pinot Meunier from Chaumuzy, the wine actually appears almost brassy in color. On Day 1, the wine was tightly wound; a ball of energy with mostly green apple notes, savory minerals and ripping acid. On Day 2 however, the wine had kept its bubbles well and evolved rather dramatically, rounding out a bit to reveal spiced apples, more red than green, with raspberries and minerals that danced across the palate. A massively crushable Champagne with a long finish. An outstanding NV and paired perfectly with the New Year and Mille Bournes. No disgorgement data that I can find on the label. — 4 years ago
This incredible sparkling wine is unbelievable! I visited this wonderful vineyard in 2013. The hue of rose’ is almost pale salmon. It’s medium to full body flavor is off the charts delicious. A touch of mineral and fabulous fruit. At the mid palate there is a heartiness I can’t quite figure out. This can rival any and every pink and brut champagne in the world. It’s that great!!! — 5 years ago
2023 vintage rose from Bandol in Provence. Deep salmon color, red fruit on the nose, lovely strawberry flavors, with balanced acidity and a tart finish. — 5 months ago
Pale gold with fine bubbles. Fresh aromas of green apple, pear, lemon, lime, and orange blossom. The palate offers notes of toast and pastry, balanced by high acidity and a delicate, effervescent texture. The finish is medium-plus and clean. While elegant and refined, it feels slightly restrained in its depth and complexity.
— 9 months ago
Light salmon pink, brilliant clarity. Mostly Cabernet franc in this one. Flavors lightly of white pepper, raspberry water and lemon peel, aftertaste of sage and minerality. More subdued than fruit forward but nice complexity for a dry rosé. Good acidity but not excessive. A perennial favorite for me that sings of WA state varietal character. — 2 years ago
This is the Blanc de Blanc Grand Cru with fruit sourced from Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger from mostly the 2017 vintage and some from the 2016 vintage. Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The NV BdB Grand Cru pours a light straw color with a persistent mousse. On the nose, the wine is youthful with notes of tart fruit: green apple, star fruit, split almonds, limestone minerals. On the palate, the wine is bone dry with high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. This is super fresh and easy to love, in the house style. Drink now but could easily be cellared for years. Disgorged Q2 of 2023. — 4 months ago
Dark fruit and mushrooms — a year ago
I tend to be rather picky about rosé, but I always love those from the Tavel area. This one is consistently satisfying. Glorious salmon-pink color and fresh, juicy flavors of strawberry and watermelon. Great with our Niçoise salad! 60% Grenache, 13% Clairette, 13% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, 3% Mourvèdre, 1% Bourboulenc. 5/15/22. — 3 years ago
Our host served two bottles of this blind. Of course we all guessed them as being two different bottles as there was definitely bottle variation. Got the vintage wrong (I guessed 1995 on the first bottle) but was able to figure out this was Dom Rose. Light salmon color, great nose, sweet. Notes of kiwi, strawberry and powdered stone. Nice power and structure. Improved with air. Good acidity. Nice start to the evening. — 5 years ago
"Odedi"
Very light salmon in color.
Strong nose of limes, grapefruits, light red fruits, citrus, green apples, earth and minerals.
Medium bodied with medium acidity. Crisp and refreshing.
Dry on the palate with light strawberries, limes, grapefruits, bitter herbs and earth.
Tangy finish with limes and light earth.
This is a refreshing Rosé from Bandol. Well balanced and easy drinking. Showing nice complexity with a soft mouthfeel.
Still young, and needs a few years in the bottle to mature properly, but already starting to drink very nicely.
Good by itself or with food.
91 points.
$50. — 2 months ago