3/9/2024 - Decanting Queen wrote:

Opened this in response to the other notes —wanted to check before I accidentally give this to someone or bring to a party. Glad I did because the asparagus was there on the nose before I even tasted. Something must be wrong because this is not on par with any other ultramarine I have tried, even the ones
that I didn’t love.
There is a nice texture and some fruit underlying, but the asparagus makes it undrinkable.

1/28/2024 - JRockEsq wrote:

Method: pop and pour; cellar temp; white wine glass

Look: light+ straw

Nose: yeasty funk, pear, fermented lemon, asparagus

Palate: asparagus, lemon, lemon pith, lemon-lime, dry herbs; finish of dry herbs; dry; light+ body; strong, very fine bubbles; medium+ acidity; low- tannin

The more time passed, the more prominent the asparagus became

Overall thoughts: This started out surprising and interesting, but I liked it less and less as time went on. Ultimately, the asparagus note became very distinct and prominent (and drew a lot of reaction from around the table). The structure and mouthfeel were wonderful, as is expected from Ultramarine. Definitely didn't expect to dump about half a bottle between 8+ people tasting it, but here we are. Mediocre wine.

Also, I emailed Ultramarine to see if they thought this was an off bottle or if this is consistent with how the wine would show for this vintage. I never received a response.

12/8/2022 - timothynbond wrote:

Cork disintegrated upon opening, required some skillful manipulation of the durand to get out. Deep ruby with some bricking on the rim. Initally offering aromas of stale cigarettes that with enough air become a more pleasant cigar with some cinnamon intermixed. Medium body, medium acid, medium-to-medium-plus grippy tannins. Thin on the front of the palate with some red fruit, particularly raspberry, along with some blueberry juice and a hint of mid-palate rosemary with air. Lacking depth. The fruit felt faded without picking up any interesting secondary characteristics. Past its prime, with condition of the cork suggesting poor storage (bought on secondary market recently).

10/29/2021 - AllRed wrote:

I double decanted this off its sediment and then removed the cork and allowed this to breathe once we arrived at the restaurant. By the time we poured our first glasses I'd guess it had been about 3.5 hours since the cork was first pulled. It definitely needed the time to open up and breathe, gently. Aromas of cherry, tea leaf, rose hip and sous bois. Flavors of cherry, earth, licorice, mineral, spice and black cherry. Lingering finish. Still has great acidity- this is perfect at the supper table. 94+ pts.

7/16/2020 - Rieslingfan wrote:

Sample provided by the winery, because I am a long time customer...

This is certainly interesting, with typically sunny California fruit, but also good acid levels. Red berry, herb and a bit of dusty earth makes for a an enjoyable wine, if not a profound expression of grape and/or place. Admittedly I don’t know what I am supposed to expect of a Nebbiolo, Nerello Mascalese, Barbera, etc. blend from Centenial Mountain. Further study is required. It’s a tasty wine. We’ll see if the official release is worth the tab.

9/13/2015 - Blue Oval Likes this wine:

Did not decant. Initial notes had some stewed qualities that could have blown off with decanting. Otherwise wonderful spice characteristics and the palate was backed up with spice, tannic backbone and long finish. Highly recommended. No rush.

...with more time, wonderful balance and complexity. No stewed qualities and this is a very unique, terroir driven wine. Digg'in it! Score confirmed.

6/20/2013 - pikemasterflash wrote:

Much anticipation as I have been holding these for more than 10 years waiting to open. Initially smelled like a sneaker. First drag very gritty and not impressive. As time wore on, this improved but I think falls short of the hype.