Community Tasting Note

• csimm wrote: 95 points

  December 15, 2022 - Hibiscus, rhubarb, blood orange, and Aperol notes create a unique framework for the supplementary flavors of freshly rinsed raspberries, watermelon, lemon pith, and wet limestone. At first glance, it seems like this is going to come off like a crimson-colored sea cow: heavy, ripe, and winey. It is indeed full in the mouth, but finishes aptly dry, with no sense of burdensome density or profuse richness. It has a gorgeous yum factor without being too gushy or rounded.
  
  It is certainly not a bracing acidic knife fight of an attack; so, those who want a more angular rip in the frame might find this stylistically to be more on the sumptuous side. But...it is not plush necessarily by my estimation (and I'm pretty sensitive to overly sweet or doughy Champagne/sparklers lacking the appropriate perception of acidity). I mean, if you are expecting a hyper-chiseled and crystalline Marie Courtin experience, then you'll possibly want to venture elsewhere. It's not Champagne; so, know that. But it's not trying to be. I'm a dude who loves Champagne. But I'm also a dude who thinks Ultramarine has found a way to create a domestic sparkler (perhaps the only producer to be able to successfully do so) that is expertly crafted and offers plenty of flavor and focused sophistication all in one gulp.
  
  2018 vintage. Disgorged November 15, 2022 (so ya, like last month!). 94-95+ points. A sparkler that can be drunk now or will hold for a few years. I like the cut it offers now, but there is even more room for expansion on the finish, which is just slightly reserved on the tail - but to which I actually like because it gives the frame a nicely needed bite to balance out the fuller front end. Tasty juice!

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8 Comments

• Decanting Queen commented:

  12/16/22, 2:58 AM - Great note as usual CSIMM! Mine just arrived and I was about to put them fay away, but I will save a rose to drink young over the hols. Thanks!

• Cristal2000 commented:

  12/16/22, 7:54 AM - Ummm...look who's drinking Rose? I think I recall a conversation with someone saying that isn't a style they enjoy. Hmmmm...

• csimm commented:

  12/16/22, 8:01 AM - Cristal… Still Rose may not be my bestest friend… Now, sparkling Rose? Well, I may have the slightest bit of room in my palate preference for a little sparkling Rose here and there. :) …I mean, I’m not the Ultramarine big time baller that you are, but I’m happy to have been offered some scraps to play around with.
  
  DQ… There is a decent argument to be made to cellar these for a couple of years, but I suspect you wouldn’t be displeased by any stretch should you find yourself with an open bottle on XMas morning with some eggs Benedict and caviar!

• Decanting Queen commented:

  12/17/22, 3:42 AM - The eggs Benedict, caviar and rose combo is looking pretty good to me. I hope the ‘chef’ agrees. Lol

• csimm commented:

  12/17/22, 8:26 AM - Or…. French toast and strawberries? Bagels with smoked salmon cream cheese? Chicken and waffles with a slab of bacon? Trix cereal?? The possibilities are endless…!

• Decanting Queen commented:

  12/17/22, 8:57 AM - No no no I need the eggs Benedict and caviar now. Too late.

• A6Rover commented:

  12/20/22, 2:00 PM - I’ve found these benefit from another 3-5 years of bottle age. They come together amazingly well in that time

• csimm commented:

  12/20/22, 2:32 PM - Thanks for the info A6Rover! Nice to have a few bottles to play around with over the next few years. I like the cut this has on it now, even if it is a youngin' and not what most would consider fully resolved in terms of flavor expansion. Thanks very much!

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