Not sure if this was my bottle or my dad’s. The mousse on this was nearly gone. As a still wine this was delicious and poised - strawberries and some red florals with a bit of yeast and bread. Supple but light.
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Wow, 2010 Ultramarine continues to be my favorite so far. This rose has the perfect balance of fruit, herbs and toast. Caution, there was so much pressure under the cork that mine still escaped even with my thumb on top...nearly got a black eye.
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Some wines with chili crab etc. (Chicago, IL): I've had a few concerns with how these were aging, but this bottle managed to allay a few of those fears. The nose shows a slight bit of breadiness, but some lovely fruits as well. A nice hint of sweetness on the palate, and there is a nicely broad texture here. It doesn't have the zippy electricity of youth, but this has settled very nicely.
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This was quite cool. Bright, tart red berries. Not much on the mid-palate or finish here, but a lot of pleasure on the attack. Think I prefer his Rose to his Chard.
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Megan's 30th (Chicago, IL): I'm really not quite sure what happened here. The cork was not in great shape and there was no audible pop when I brutally manhandled the cork out of the bottle. And indeed, the effervescence was very much muted. The palate showed quite a bit of funk, and not much else. I suspect there's something fundamentally wrong with these bottles...
No formal note. Killer nose with bright red berries, minerals, some red florals, spices - really soaring, intense and cut. However, the palate this time struck me a too big and burly - burning but not well focused. There are nice berries and spice, but it's too all over the place for me. Finish is similar. Not sure if this is in an awkward place, or this is just what it has become. More data are needed. Nose - 5.5/6, Palate - 4/6, Finish - 4/6, Je ne Sais Quoi - 1/2 = 14.5/20.
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I'm generally pretty wary when it comes to hype but this, my first Ultramarine, is all that and more. Beautiful deep salmon color. Outstanding complexity on the nose with notes of orange, grilled tomatoes, some smoke and a distinct savoriness. Great depth on the palate too. I served this too cold initially - as is warmed up it became more expressive and delicious.
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Brilliant stuff again from Ultramarine. Seems to have mellowed a bit since last spring. There's less of the bright red fruit flavors and more of the umami quality I found hiding last time. There is a tomato, roasted meat essence under the fruit that is really appealing and comes on in the finish. The texture is wiry and crisp, yet also expansive. It coats your palate. The finish just goes on and on and it almost drinks like a meal. Perhaps not for everyone, but I'm a fan. Big fan.
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Showed like a rockstar. Beautiful strawberry and hints of cranberry with a fine bead. Nice roundness on the palate without being heavy. So much balance too, feels like it's at peak. Wish I had a case.
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Great, clean sparkling but just doesn't have the characteristics that make a superb sparkling for me personally. The hue is a relatively vivid red/pink with a nice tight bubble profile and a fine mousse. Aromatically it opens with Raspberry, Ginger, Strawberry, and Passionfruit, with just a slight linger of yeast presenting itself in the finish as a strawberry shortcake. On the palate it was less acid driven than the BdB, however the taste mirrored the aromatics perfectly. Going to hold onto my other bottle for 3-5 years and see how it settles out.
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Well this is more.intense than I thought possible. The nose is kind of tame with toaty notes and minerals. The palate is very intense with bright strawberry and amazing acidity. Some lemon peel comes through as well. Very long.
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Again superb. Similar to my earlier note and others' observations; the one thing I'd add is that this had, for me, an insistent note of fresh tomato - like a nice heirloom type, not so much a meaty beefsteak. It worked.
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Just an awesome bubbly, with dense concentration of red fruits, minerals and some savory undertones/mushroom that give it added interest; Consistent with my other two bottles...just wish I had bought more!!
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Ultramarine has gotten a lot of hype in certain rarified circles. And I enjoyed Michael Cruse's interview on Levi Dalton's podcast. But the wine is ... merely ok? Copper color, this is a dry and rather austere rose, with citrus and stone fruit, not especially concentrated or powerful, a nice asphalt mineral character that may just be slight reduction. Very frothy, I would have liked a little bit finer mousse. Refreshing on a humid evening, but lacks some depth.
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Less exuberant fruit this time around - more savory, tart berry notes instead. To me, it had more tension and better overall balance. I think this is improving.
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Brilliant stuff again from Ultramarine. The wine opens with such a powerful effervescence and spice that sticking one's nose in too early will bring a tear to your eye. Powerful. Loads of cherry and red fruit flavors and a texture that is so wiry, yet also expansive. It coats your entire palate with yeasty flavors and minerals and fruit. The finish just goes on and on and it almost drinks like a meal. I'm guessing that time will bring about even more interesting development as this was just bottled in Feb. Very exciting wine.
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My first time with this sparkling wine, and I came away mighty impressed; There are loads of bright cherry and berry flavors, with remarkable depth and precision to its palate; The finish has plenty of acidic cut and some savory undertones that make this even more interesting; Brilliant stuff that will get even better with more age (but can I keep my hands off??)
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Cranberry, strawberry, earth, mineral. Nice acidity, fine bead. The two Ultramarines have been the best sparkling wines I've had from outside Champagne (and could hold their own against many top Champagnes!)
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Fantastic. Sonoma fruit, yes, given lots of life and zip by crisp acidity, a mineral streak, and fine bubbles. Serious savory/funky notes is what really takes this a few steps beyond. Could be a love child sired by Dirty & Rowdy's Semillon with an excellent rose Champagne.
Greet Adira and small BYO at our place, round 2 (Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, NYC): Fresh and bright on the nose. Subtle but perfumey. Aromas of strawberry, smoke, spice, red flowers. Bright on the palate - red berry fruit, great snap. Berry and earth finish. This is delicious, it manages to have a great deal of sweet fruit, but still comes off very serious. Nose - 5-5.5/6, Palate - 5/6, Finish - 5/6, Je ne Sais Quoi - 1.5/2 = 16.5-17/20.
Very excited for these wines and this was a really fantastic bottle. Lots of complexity on the nose with strawberry, watermelon, lots of yeast and dough, then with a bit of air emerged tons of perfumed roses and a subtle soil signature. Palate was bright and juicy, rich with zippy acidity and mousse. A long, lip smacking finish makes this a great wine that shows a lot of promise.
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Chilled in the fridge for approximately 1 hour prior to serving. Pours a pale salmon-gold with very find bubbles. Intoxicating aromas of cranberry, blood orange, iodine, and subtle pie crust. Onthe palate the mousse is quite fine and vibrant. Similar flavors as the bouquet, with impeccable balance and a rich, delineated mouthfeel. The depth and persistence is incredible. I love the subtle savory element of the finish too, leaving me wanting another sip right away.
At the rate these tasting notes are going up, I'm starting to wonder whether there will be any left at all by the time 2016 rolls around. This was a spot-on bottle, showing exactly like my previous one. Lush red fruit, with cranberry aromas on the nose and a good squirt of tart citrus as well. The palate is very lithe and racy, with the same juicy red fruit elements. Crisp mineral quality. There's enough density and acid for this to age and develop some more complex flavours and aromas. Fortunately, this wasn't my bottle -- it was bought by the glass at Table, Donkey and Stick. I ain't opening no more of mine.
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Saturday Fun at Domaine (Chicago, IL): There's a good bit of funk on the nose, though the fruit also shows through quite clearly (sweet peaches). The palate has a bit of a chalky texture, but otherwise, this is incredibly intense, with acidity that you'd expect from climates a few hundred kilometers north of California. Black magic, I say. The same meaty funk I detected in the BdB is also here in the rose, but this isn't off-putting in any way, and instead serves to add a bit of interest (at least, for me). Now as to whether the BdB or the Rose is better, that's really forcing Sophie to make a choice now isn't it...?
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Beautiful rose, tart red fruit and linear minerality abound. Mouthfilling leesy richness never feels too heavy, it's all about the balance here. I can't wait to re-taste in a few years.
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really beautiful, pure, crystalline, rose. Found the earthy/umami (i hate using that term) tones seductive and exotic - not something you find in any domestic sparkling wines and a rare trait in even the greats from Champagne. I think Ross summed up much of the wine nicely, and I'll absolutely agree with him about not sharing this wine.
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A beautiful, pure, light, and fresh expression of Pinot Noir from one of the Sonoma Coast's legendary vineyards. The essence of the fruit is there, but the winemaking has lifted it away from the riper and juicier elements often associated with the grape and region. The Champagne-style saignée actually outperforms many saignée rosés from Champagne itself, as those wines are often marred by underripe flavors, while the Ultramarine benefits from the friendly climate. Utterly delicious and compelling, drink or hold, just don't invite anyone over when you pop that cork-- it will be hard to share.
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9/4/2022 - Seth Rosenberg Likes this wine:
Not sure if this was my bottle or my dad’s. The mousse on this was nearly gone. As a still wine this was delicious and poised - strawberries and some red florals with a bit of yeast and bread. Supple but light.
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9/26/2020 - ccotton8 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Wow, 2010 Ultramarine continues to be my favorite so far. This rose has the perfect balance of fruit, herbs and toast. Caution, there was so much pressure under the cork that mine still escaped even with my thumb on top...nearly got a black eye.
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12/5/2018 - acyso wrote: 93 Points
Some wines with chili crab etc. (Chicago, IL): I've had a few concerns with how these were aging, but this bottle managed to allay a few of those fears. The nose shows a slight bit of breadiness, but some lovely fruits as well. A nice hint of sweetness on the palate, and there is a nicely broad texture here. It doesn't have the zippy electricity of youth, but this has settled very nicely.
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2/12/2018 - LW31 Likes this wine:
This was quite cool. Bright, tart red berries. Not much on the mid-palate or finish here, but a lot of pleasure on the attack. Think I prefer his Rose to his Chard.
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2/8/2017 - tooch wrote: 92 Points
Definitely had more toast and weight than the last time I tasted this wine (Feb2015). Very delicious red berries mixed with the toast - delicious!
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2/3/2017 - acyso wrote: flawed
Megan's 30th (Chicago, IL): I'm really not quite sure what happened here. The cork was not in great shape and there was no audible pop when I brutally manhandled the cork out of the bottle. And indeed, the effervescence was very much muted. The palate showed quite a bit of funk, and not much else. I suspect there's something fundamentally wrong with these bottles...
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9/6/2016 - Jahull03 wrote:
Yes!!
Best showing yet...
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7/31/2016 - Seth Rosenberg Likes this wine: 89 Points
No formal note. Killer nose with bright red berries, minerals, some red florals, spices - really soaring, intense and cut. However, the palate this time struck me a too big and burly - burning but not well focused. There are nice berries and spice, but it's too all over the place for me. Finish is similar. Not sure if this is in an awkward place, or this is just what it has become. More data are needed. Nose - 5.5/6, Palate - 4/6, Finish - 4/6, Je ne Sais Quoi - 1/2 = 14.5/20.
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4/18/2016 - PJRONeill wrote: 93 Points
I'm generally pretty wary when it comes to hype but this, my first Ultramarine, is all that and more. Beautiful deep salmon color. Outstanding complexity on the nose with notes of orange, grilled tomatoes, some smoke and a distinct savoriness. Great depth on the palate too. I served this too cold initially - as is warmed up it became more expressive and delicious.
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2/28/2016 - decaturwinedude wrote: 92 Points
Brilliant stuff again from Ultramarine. Seems to have mellowed a bit since last spring. There's less of the bright red fruit flavors and more of the umami quality I found hiding last time. There is a tomato, roasted meat essence under the fruit that is really appealing and comes on in the finish. The texture is wiry and crisp, yet also expansive. It coats your palate. The finish just goes on and on and it almost drinks like a meal. Perhaps not for everyone, but I'm a fan. Big fan.
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2/27/2016 - ucbeau Likes this wine:
Showed like a rockstar. Beautiful strawberry and hints of cranberry with a fine bead. Nice roundness on the palate without being heavy. So much balance too, feels like it's at peak. Wish I had a case.
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2/1/2016 - skaies wrote: 92 Points
Great, clean sparkling but just doesn't have the characteristics that make a superb sparkling for me personally. The hue is a relatively vivid red/pink with a nice tight bubble profile and a fine mousse. Aromatically it opens with Raspberry, Ginger, Strawberry, and Passionfruit, with just a slight linger of yeast presenting itself in the finish as a strawberry shortcake. On the palate it was less acid driven than the BdB, however the taste mirrored the aromatics perfectly. Going to hold onto my other bottle for 3-5 years and see how it settles out.
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1/29/2016 - Uglypinga Likes this wine:
Well this is more.intense than I thought possible. The nose is kind of tame with toaty notes and minerals. The palate is very intense with bright strawberry and amazing acidity. Some lemon peel comes through as well. Very long.
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1/12/2016 - Charlie Pendejo Likes this wine:
Again superb. Similar to my earlier note and others' observations; the one thing I'd add is that this had, for me, an insistent note of fresh tomato - like a nice heirloom type, not so much a meaty beefsteak. It worked.
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11/14/2015 - eluebchow wrote: 95 Points
Just an awesome bubbly, with dense concentration of red fruits, minerals and some savory undertones/mushroom that give it added interest; Consistent with my other two bottles...just wish I had bought more!!
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10/23/2015 - JOsgood wrote:
I liked this even better the second time. An excellent California Rosé, good fruit and acidic lift. Very fun wine.
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8/1/2015 - coremill wrote: 88 Points
Ultramarine has gotten a lot of hype in certain rarified circles. And I enjoyed Michael Cruse's interview on Levi Dalton's podcast. But the wine is ... merely ok? Copper color, this is a dry and rather austere rose, with citrus and stone fruit, not especially concentrated or powerful, a nice asphalt mineral character that may just be slight reduction. Very frothy, I would have liked a little bit finer mousse. Refreshing on a humid evening, but lacks some depth.
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6/19/2015 - rhit Likes this wine:
Less exuberant fruit this time around - more savory, tart berry notes instead. To me, it had more tension and better overall balance. I think this is improving.
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5/21/2015 - decaturwinedude Likes this wine: 93 Points
Brilliant stuff again from Ultramarine. The wine opens with such a powerful effervescence and spice that sticking one's nose in too early will bring a tear to your eye. Powerful. Loads of cherry and red fruit flavors and a texture that is so wiry, yet also expansive. It coats your entire palate with yeasty flavors and minerals and fruit. The finish just goes on and on and it almost drinks like a meal. I'm guessing that time will bring about even more interesting development as this was just bottled in Feb. Very exciting wine.
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5/13/2015 - eluebchow Likes this wine: 94 Points
My first time with this sparkling wine, and I came away mighty impressed; There are loads of bright cherry and berry flavors, with remarkable depth and precision to its palate; The finish has plenty of acidic cut and some savory undertones that make this even more interesting; Brilliant stuff that will get even better with more age (but can I keep my hands off??)
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5/10/2015 - Bakerbd Likes this wine: 94 Points
Cranberry, strawberry, earth, mineral. Nice acidity, fine bead. The two Ultramarines have been the best sparkling wines I've had from outside Champagne (and could hold their own against many top Champagnes!)
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5/6/2015 - Charlie Pendejo Likes this wine:
Fantastic. Sonoma fruit, yes, given lots of life and zip by crisp acidity, a mineral streak, and fine bubbles. Serious savory/funky notes is what really takes this a few steps beyond. Could be a love child sired by Dirty & Rowdy's Semillon with an excellent rose Champagne.
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4/30/2015 - Seth Rosenberg Likes this wine: 93 Points
Greet Adira and small BYO at our place, round 2 (Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, NYC): Fresh and bright on the nose. Subtle but perfumey. Aromas of strawberry, smoke, spice, red flowers. Bright on the palate - red berry fruit, great snap. Berry and earth finish. This is delicious, it manages to have a great deal of sweet fruit, but still comes off very serious. Nose - 5-5.5/6, Palate - 5/6, Finish - 5/6, Je ne Sais Quoi - 1.5/2 = 16.5-17/20.
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4/27/2015 - JOsgood wrote: 91 Points
Very nice stuff. Nice mid palate with tight bubbles. What a great project. Head to head, I prefer the Blanc de Blanc.
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4/7/2015 - 1981er wrote: 94 Points
Very excited for these wines and this was a really fantastic bottle. Lots of complexity on the nose with strawberry, watermelon, lots of yeast and dough, then with a bit of air emerged tons of perfumed roses and a subtle soil signature. Palate was bright and juicy, rich with zippy acidity and mousse. A long, lip smacking finish makes this a great wine that shows a lot of promise.
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3/20/2015 - ucbeau Likes this wine:
Chilled in the fridge for approximately 1 hour prior to serving. Pours a pale salmon-gold with very find bubbles. Intoxicating aromas of cranberry, blood orange, iodine, and subtle pie crust. Onthe palate the mousse is quite fine and vibrant. Similar flavors as the bouquet, with impeccable balance and a rich, delineated mouthfeel. The depth and persistence is incredible. I love the subtle savory element of the finish too, leaving me wanting another sip right away.
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3/17/2015 - acyso wrote: 95 Points
At the rate these tasting notes are going up, I'm starting to wonder whether there will be any left at all by the time 2016 rolls around. This was a spot-on bottle, showing exactly like my previous one. Lush red fruit, with cranberry aromas on the nose and a good squirt of tart citrus as well. The palate is very lithe and racy, with the same juicy red fruit elements. Crisp mineral quality. There's enough density and acid for this to age and develop some more complex flavours and aromas. Fortunately, this wasn't my bottle -- it was bought by the glass at Table, Donkey and Stick. I ain't opening no more of mine.
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2/21/2015 - tooch wrote: 94 Points
Saturday Afternoon at Domaine (Domaine Wine Storage - Chicago, IL): Similar notes to my last bottle. Beautiful combination of firm/taut red fruits and this wonderful umami note. The combination is irresistible. So exotic and deep.
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2/21/2015 - acyso wrote: 95 Points
Saturday Fun at Domaine (Chicago, IL): There's a good bit of funk on the nose, though the fruit also shows through quite clearly (sweet peaches). The palate has a bit of a chalky texture, but otherwise, this is incredibly intense, with acidity that you'd expect from climates a few hundred kilometers north of California. Black magic, I say. The same meaty funk I detected in the BdB is also here in the rose, but this isn't off-putting in any way, and instead serves to add a bit of interest (at least, for me). Now as to whether the BdB or the Rose is better, that's really forcing Sophie to make a choice now isn't it...?
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2/6/2015 - fdub Likes this wine: 93 Points
Great tension and balance. The nose is sweet raspberry and strawberries. Same on the palate. Wonderful length.
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1/11/2015 - risaacs Likes this wine: 93 Points
Great bottle but I bet it will be much better with some time in the cellar.
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12/31/2014 - ucbeau Likes this wine: 90 Points
Beautiful rose, tart red fruit and linear minerality abound. Mouthfilling leesy richness never feels too heavy, it's all about the balance here. I can't wait to re-taste in a few years.
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12/28/2014 - tooch wrote: 94 Points
really beautiful, pure, crystalline, rose. Found the earthy/umami (i hate using that term) tones seductive and exotic - not something you find in any domestic sparkling wines and a rare trait in even the greats from Champagne. I think Ross summed up much of the wine nicely, and I'll absolutely agree with him about not sharing this wine.
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12/23/2014 - rm wines Likes this wine: 97 Points
A beautiful, pure, light, and fresh expression of Pinot Noir from one of the Sonoma Coast's legendary vineyards. The essence of the fruit is there, but the winemaking has lifted it away from the riper and juicier elements often associated with the grape and region. The Champagne-style saignée actually outperforms many saignée rosés from Champagne itself, as those wines are often marred by underripe flavors, while the Ultramarine benefits from the friendly climate. Utterly delicious and compelling, drink or hold, just don't invite anyone over when you pop that cork-- it will be hard to share.
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