*edited based on @J_Rock talking some sense into me, ha!
Just received the letter for the 2020 vintage release. I was already on the fence as prices keep creeping up…but the 2020 vintage gives me even greater pause. Will have to see the release notes and of course the $$$
'Thank you for your patience in the 2020 release for Ultramarine. Because of your continued support we are offering you and earlier allocation, two days before the main release.
We will be holding only one release this year. And while we will guarantee the allocations of the 2020 vintage wine, we will not guarantee the allocations of magnums or late disgorged wines.
The 2020 vintage in California was, of course, a major fire vintage. Our wines were picked before the Glass fire, but during and after the LNU lightening complex, and while there is no measurable or perceptible smoke, it’s hard not to see them through that prism. The wines seem rich even compared to previous vintages and with enough time open, most seem ready to be enjoyed now. A welcome change from previous releases that require years.
We’ll have full notes and pricing will remain the same as previous releases.’
I kind of like these notes. They seem open and honest about the vintage while also saying they didn’t detect any smoke taint when measuring or tasting.
Yeah, you know what. After re-reading it a couple times, i think you’re right. In hindsight, im glad they acknowledged it vs. Saying nothing. My apologies- i read it quickly and jumped the gun with my reaction.
I think they have had their run. Sold mailing list only pretty much, wines interesting and showing promise, but somehow there were always dozens available on winebid which, over years, eroded their “rarity” status. Tasting notes/scores have been all over the place. I have purchased many cases, and love the roses, but at the $100 range I’m into vintage Delamotte and other Champagnes now. And resale is pretty much a bit above release so no rush any more to buy whole allocations.
I’m thinking the wines now come out at $100, which plus tax and shipping for me is about $114. Wine-searcher shows some auctions at $110 and $115, and some for sale in the $120s or $130s which is close enough for me. Winebid only has one on now, a 2014 for $150, but I have watched these for at least two years and there were many weeks with 10-15 bottles, recently starting as low as $110 or $120 (gradually coming down from $200+ two years ago). Don’t see low prices? Wait.
Don’t get me wrong…I like the wines…and I collected them for their “rarity” and even sold a few for a profit, but the math no longer works for me, and my drinking experience has been variable… Consequently I’m looking elsewhere for the next great California sparkling wine experiment…
Yeah, I’m kind of in the same boat. I’ve been severely cutting back my wine buying lately, and I think this one is going to also be on the chopping block. I like them, but not enough to keep them on my (now very) short list.
I’m finally out. I have really enjoyed the run and will enjoy what I have (too much), but the pricing has just gotten prohibitive compared to champagne especially with the considerations of vintage. It was a fun ride when a startup and was a much better value, especially now when considering all in price.
Feels sad, but I have a feeling with their production and prices increasing it may not be so hard to come by in a few years.
I have had very mixed experiences with the recent roses (particularly Hirsch)
I had an 18 BdB alongside a 14 CT Les Barres this past week and the BdB showed up well, so plan to still take those now that they arent bundled in 3 packs
I feel like there has been a style shift in recent vintages and am also moving away from these as they approach similar prices to champagnes
If i get booted from the mag/LD list next year, then I too will likely drop
Ultramarine has 2 strikes with me, so I’m still in until I get one more dud bottle (unless it’s after many great ones) or the prices rise enough to where I can get better Champagne instead (the prices are getting close).
I was not familiar with this producer so thank you for the tip! Can you describe the style at all? Would love to learn more as the price definitely sounds right.
Not to thread drift too much but what jumps out most to me is the fine texture & mouthfeel (Crisp, Tart & Bright Fruit) as I belive they are all zero dosage (or at least the 5 bottlings ive tried have been). Under The Wire would be a nice comparison I believe
I will also link to this nice K&L article from spring. I think some of you may recgonize the names behind the brand (Tom & Brittany Sherwood)