Ray Vanderhoff

8.6

Rhône-style white from the French Department of Ardeche’. Deep golden color. Intense floral aromas along with hints of orchard fruit and wet stones. Flavors of peaches, apricot, citrus and tropical fruits along with additional notes of minerals, spices and honey. Medium finish and body with plenty of texture and acidity. Somewhat out of balance, hot and a bit sharp. — a day ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.8

100% Tuscan Pinot Grigio. Light golden color. Aromas of orchard fruit, citrus zest, wet grass and white flowers. Generous flavors of green apple, white peach, pear and a bit of tropical fruit. Hints of minerality and honey on the medium finish. Bright acidity, clean and lively. Very well balanced, somewhat bold and quite refreshing. 12.5% ABV. Thank you for sharing, Mark S! — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.8

Deep ruby color with purple highlights and a slight fuchsia rim. Very floral (purple flowers) on the nose with a bit of toast and spice. Flavors of black cherry/berry/plum fruit with additional notes of chocolate, sweet baking spices and vanilla. Medium-plus oaky finish. Extremely soft tannins. Bright acidity (high elevation fruit?), medium bodied and noticeable alcohol. Slightly out of balance but more than reasonable. Improved with aeration. Appreciate the gift, Ron B! — 8 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.6

Textural Turkish white that could be considered an orange wine. Deep golden color with a few orange highlights. Not very aromatic. Light aromas of herbs and minerals. Light flavors of grapefruit, lemon, apricot, quince, garrigue, wet stones and roasted nuts. Finish is long but there is a slightly empty mid-palate. Medium-plus body and bright acidity. Rich and tangy oily texture, bone dry and extremely savory. Much better with food. — 10 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

This vintage’s blend is Grenache (42%), Syrah (40%), Petite Sirah (9%), Mourvèdre (4%), Graciano (4%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (1%). Dark ruby color with purple highlights. Aromas of ripe red and black fruit, wood smoke, pepper spice and woody herbs. Flavors of blackberry, huckleberry, smoky black tea, Asian spices and savory herbs. Hint of black pepper on the long, luxurious and earthy finish. A well integrated presence of oak. Bright juicy acidity, quite powerful and very generous. A consistent (vintage after vintage) Rhône-style red blend. Pop the cork on a bottle of this consistently excellent wine and fire up the grill!! Thanks for sharing this one, Kase! — 3 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.7

Blend of Tempranillo (50%) and Bobal (50%). Aromas and flavors of red cherries, strawberries, minerals and a bit of grapefruit citrus on the medium finish. Crisp acidity, medium-plus body and just a bit of tannin. Clean and fresh tasting. Juicy, bright and a solid value. — 5 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Dark garnet color with some brown highlights and slightly orange rim. Aromas of dried red fruit, forest floor, leather and a touch of menthol. Flavors of dried plum and black cherry fruit, dark chocolate, black licorice, beef jerky and roasted nuts. Plentiful baking spice notes on the long and grippy finish. Quite dense with firm tannins. Full bodied and well layered. Outstanding intensity and complexity. Still quite powerful but aging nicely. Cheers to Keith S! — 9 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Dark ruby color with purple highlights. Intense aromas of cooked black fruit, burnt vanilla and sweet spices. Flavors of black berry/currant/cherry jam, figs, dark chocolate, black pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg. Intense vanilla note on the long and very smooth finish. Extremely soft tannins and well balanced acidity. Full bodied and very plush. So ripe that this wine seems a bit sweet. 14.2% ABV. Easy drinker. Thanks so much for opening this wine, Mark S! — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

100% Pinot Grigio from Abruzzo. Light straw color. Aromas of orchard fruit, citrus, white flowers and fresh herbs. Bold green apple flavor with additional notes of lemon/lime, pear, green melon and those fresh herbs. Hints of saline and minerals on the medium-plus and slightly (pleasantly) bitter finish. Quite fruit forward but still very dry. Mouth watering acidity and quite bright, clean and fresh. 12.5% ABV. Quite refreshing on a summer day. Thank you for sharing, Mark S! — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon (85%) with the balance a blend of Charbono, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. Dark ruby color with purple highlights. Aromas of black and blue fruit, purple flowers and wet gravel. Flavors of blackberry, black currants, dark chocolate, black licorice and sweet baking spices. Long and lingering finish. Velvety (but firm) tannins and crisp acidity. Rich, juicy and plush. Medium-plus body and well structured. Cheers to Keith S! — 9 days ago