My last of the 2014 Ultramarine’s. Sad day. Thankfully 2015s are up next, and I was able to secure extra 2016s during the release a few months back.
This was one of three bubblies (2010 Larmandier-Bernier VV du Levant, Egly Ouriet Rosé) opened alongside a lineup of some fun wines when a buddy, @Shawn R , was in town. As always, my experience with these wines is so unique. You can always tell this is like grower champagne from first smell and sip. Gorgeous golden color in the glass. I normally pick up aromas of cream soda with Ultramarine (aside from their rosé), but didn’t get that here. Caramel dipped golden delicious apples, spiced cider, brioche, a little shaved almond, sporting a gentle “oxidative” flair. On the palate it’s zippy and racy with a distinct herb crusted yellow fruit profile (which I get on some Heintz Chardonnays), alongside more apple, poached pear, and kiss of ripe red Berry fruits. There is also a backbone of limestone/mineral here. When compared to the Larmandier-Bernier, this drank more new world, though if I had tried this blind and not next to a true champagne, I may have been able to get there.
As an aside, we drank half of this bottle (and of the other two bubblies as well) and then put a champagne stopper on it to revisit the next day. Upon opening, the bubbles seemed to have diminish quite a bit and it drank closer to a still wine...and then 30mins later, it was like this roared back to life for one last hurrah, full of bubbles and totally vibrant. Not sure I’ve seen a bubbly do that before. The last glass on the second day was just as good as the first glass on the first day. — 4 years ago
Fruity Golden Ale — 5 years ago
This Pa brewery is rocking my world. Close my eyes and taste this, and I drift back to my time when I lived in Waterloo, Brussels. Label says 9.5% abv, but it’s tucked in nicely. Woody notes on the palate, with cardamom, cloves and licorice. Heart-warming as it slips down the hatch. Well done! — 6 years ago
Blend of 83% Semillon, 12% Sauv Blanc & 5% Muscadelle, golden medium lemon color with a complex botrytis bouquet of ripe sweet stone fruits, lemongrass and sweet floral perfume spice. On the palate peach, apricot and honey flavors adding in some nutty sweet oak encompassed by complex botrytis, "noble rot" fruit. Long finish ending with sweet creamy character. Very Nice! — 4 years ago
M. Chiarlo’s Moscato d’Asti is also available in a 375ml which is a nice size to pop open after a nice meal. A slight effervescence wine with a light golden color. Aromas of sweet fresh stone fruits and citrus layered with a bit of floral spice. On the palate flavors of peaches and apricots with a grape-like character. Medium finish ending with citrus, sweet spice and honey notes. A favorite, great value! Grab a 750ml for a larger crowd! — 5 years ago
A blend of 75% Semillon, 23% Sauvignon Blanc, & 2% Muscadelle. Golden with complex aromas, somewhat Riesling like, and adding a tropical bouquet. On the palate this botrytis rich wine shows apple, pineapple and honeysuckle flavors. Lingering finish ending with smoky vanilla notes. Had this at tasting and bought a few bottles! Will contine to age in the bottle. Nice! — 5 years ago
I’ve been savoring this bottle over several months using my Coravin. Sadly, finally finished it off. Just love tasting this golden beauty open up in the glass. Can’t wait to start on another bottle! — 6 years ago
Simply amazing - golden honey yet balanced with acid and crispness — 6 years ago
Drinking the 1998 in 2018. Rich, rich dessert wine. Rich deep golden color. Very thick long lasting legs. Nose full of roasted peach and stone fruit. Taste starts with Carmel, grilled peach and stone fruit. Excellent balance. — 7 years ago
Really incredible wine. Not paired with any food, the wine is flavorful, quenching w/ oak flavor adding the right dryness and notes of plum & vanilla to finish - really well balanced and opened well. Bottled was empty far too quickly : ) — 4 years ago
Starting the long Labor Day weekend in Big Sur the right way with a little N/V Krug Grande Cuvée. @Nepenthe
Happy Labor Day weekend all! 🍾🥂
Noses reveals; heavy bruised red apple, Bosc pear, overripe pineapple, lemon meringue, tropical melons, lime zest, white spice, sea fossils, deep crisp chalkiness, grey volcanics, yeast & bread dough, nougat, baguette crust, limestone, caramel notes, cream, vanillin framed in yellow lilies, white & spring flowers & mixed greens.
The palate is, ripe, lush, fresh and lively. The mouthfeel all Krug beautiful. Bruised red & golden apple with hints of cider, Bosc pear, overripe pineapple, lemon meringue, tropical melons, white stone fruits, lime zest/candy, white spice, sea fossils, crisp chalkiness, grey volcanics, yeast & bread dough, nougat, baguette crust, limestone, caramel notes, cream, cream soda, vanillin framed in yellow lilies, spring flowers & mixed greens. The acidity is near perfect. The long, elegant, well knitted & balanced finish is gentle until the long set when you get a full presence of white spice and minerality that persists for minutes.
This bottle was composed around 2011 and is made from over 120 different wines that span over 10 years. It is 47% Pinot Noir, 36% Chardonnay & 17% Pinot Meunier. — 5 years ago
Meg’s going away present, C golden amber, honeysuckle, lemon, apricot, beautiful! — 6 years ago
Stage 2 of #tourdefrance 2019. Finishing up our time in Belgium with a classic. Rich and creamy with full body and malty flavor. — 6 years ago
One of my favorite red blends! So smooth and tasty😊 — 6 years ago
really exciting. — 8 years ago
Dan
Golden perhaps almost orange color. Lemon, cream, yeast, richer fruit, great balance and acidity, just so smooth to drink, hard to pick up nuanced tertiary notes but so delicious. — 3 years ago