Shay A

9.2

Today was my annual hosting of the Wednesday Wine Committee. There was 1 sparkler, 3 whites, 4 reds and 1 dessert, all provided by me. Tasted blind, as always.

Copying my note from the ‘07 vintage as the wines are near identical. I will say that I didn’t get as much yeast out of the ‘09 as I did the ‘07, but it’s hard to know if it was simply due to age. I’ll hold back a bottle or two for a few years and revisit then.

Next to Ultramarine and the Reserve Schramsberg Sparklers, this is one of the best domestic Sparklers I’ve had, especially at the price ($50). Nose was grilled honeycomb, baked yeast and a small bit of limestone. Extremely creamy on the front palate...bubbles were so incredibly tiny. Multiple bubble strings. Wonderful lemon bread palate, with a crisp, chalky finish highlighted by grilled pineapple. There seemed to be more green apple notes here compared to the ‘07 vintage, but may be due to youth. This is an excellent US version of champagne. — 7 years ago

with Andrew, Weston and 3 others

Bill Crites

9.4

Got a taste of this at the Ultramarine pickup party. Wow! Now my new fav Champagne. — 9 years ago

Scot McIntosh

9.2

Depth, texture, but still surprisingly precise. — 7 years ago

Michael Elmore

9.1

Peach fruit cup. Very reminiscent of Ultramarine Rose... or vice versa — 8 years ago

Alicia Cypress

9.1

A good midpoint between Ultramarine and traditional champagnes. Those farmers certainly know their fizz! — 9 years ago

with Art, Joe and 1 other

Chris Durall

9.0

Finback Brewery Ultramarine DDH IPA. — 7 years ago

Shay A

9.3

Weston hosted Friday group today and was it definitely a can’t miss tasting. Wow! Absolutely knocked it out of the park with heavy hitter after heavy hitter. Similar to Wednesday group, all wines are tasted blind.

English sparkler ladies and gentlemen! Coming on the scene hot. Most guessed French NV. I wondered if it was possibly high end west coast like an Ultramarine. Loads of apple here. Little yeast and chalk. Great texture and bubbles. — 8 years ago

with Weston

Charles Antin

Senior Wine Specialist/Auctioneer Zachys

9.5

Cool to taste two expressions of Heintz vyd Chardonnay in two days, one sparkling, one still. Banshee picks early, Ultramarine very early. This is really awesome stuff. Great length, fresh acid, a tight core of fresh fruit. — 11 years ago