Ray Vanderhoff

8.5

Disgorged in 2018. Dark golden color. Aromas of bruised apple, pear, toasted bread and wet slate. Bruised apple flavor dominates the palate with some additional flavors of red berries, lemon/lime and toasted bread. Pronounced mineral note on the long finish. Crisp acidity and medium length. Mousse and bubbles dissipate pretty quickly. I probably waited a bit too long to open this one as I sensed it was a bit past its prime. — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Old Vine Gamay on Thanksgiving 2025. Murky ruby color. Aromas of red berries, wet stones, red flowers and sweet spices. Flavors of red plums, sour red cherries and raspberries, cranberries and baking spices. Distinct iron/granite note on the medium-plus finish. Medium body, soft tannins and ample acidity. A bit muddy. Reasonable Beauj. — 6 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Blend of Verdejo (80%) and Godello (20%). Bright yellow color. Aromas of orchard fruit, white flowers, smoke and a bit of green pepper. Flavors of green apple, lemon and a bright mineral backbone. Nice hint of saline on the long and crisp finish. Bright and plush. Good mouthfeel and nicely balanced. Reasonable. — 8 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Medium ruby color with a dark core. Aromas of black fruit, wood smoke, and sweet spices. Flavors of crushed blackberries, black cherries and black plums with hints of allspice, black pepper and dark chocolate. Pleasant touch of minerality on the medium-plus creamy finish. Fruit forward but pretty well balanced. — 9 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Beautiful deep golden color. Aromas and flavors of apricot, orange, peach, white flowers, grilled pineapple, honey, lime and roasted nuts. Unctuous mouthfeel and long and lingering finish. Sweetness (not exceedingly) is nicely balanced by bright acidity. Creamy texture and so much complexity. Quite a treat. — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.7

Cabernet Franc based FLX Sparkler! Amber/pink color. Aromas of rose petals, wet stones and less than ripe cherries and raspberries. Flavors of sweet and savory herbs and spices, red cherry and cranberry fruit. Notes of earth and rock dust on the very short finish. There is plentiful acidity which keeps this bubbly fresh and crisp. The bubbles and mousse dissipate quickly. 12.3% Alcohol and quite delicate. Best with food. Thanks for sharing on Thanksgiving Day 2025, John P! — 6 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Dark ruby color. Ripe black fruit aromas with noticeable green pepper and ground coffee. Flavors of black plums/cherry/berry fruit and freshly made coffee with a spicy/peppery long finish. Plush texture and heft. Reasonably well balanced as there is noticeable acidity. A powerhouse! Thanks for sharing, Kurt E. — 9 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Deep red/black color with a thin garnet meniscus. Aromas of petroleum (in a good way), ripe and dried black fruit, dried violets, leather and cedar. Flavors of graphite/iron, dried blackberries, black currants, smoked meat, dried blueberries, tobacco and Asian spices. Hint of black pepper on the long and drawn out finish. Soft tannins and well balanced acidity. Medium bodied, rich and plush. Extremely savory and best with food. Well aged bottle. It was time to enjoy it. Appreciate the gift, Mark S! — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.6

BIG WINE! Dark red/purple/black color. Aromas of ripe black fruit, charred oak and dark roast coffee. Flavors of black cherry, black plum, mulberry and blackberry fruit with additional notes of dark chocolate, cloves, vanilla, black figs and cinnamon. Intense black pepper flavor on the long finish, which contrasts with the intense sweet fruit flavors. Mild tannins. Full bodied, concentrated, viscous texture with lots of depth. Seems a bit manipulated. Thanks for the taste, John P. — 6 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.4

Dark ruby (enhanced?) color. Aromas of crushed red and black berries, light smoke and dried violets. Flavors of red and black cherries and plums, pomegranate, cranberry, cola and Asian spices. Dominant earthy/oaky medium finish. Light on tannins and somewhat out of balance. Very busy and not in a good way. Thanks for sharing Matt A! — 9 days ago