Ray Vanderhoff

8.5

@Delectable Wine -This is the Vynecrest (NV) Sparkling (Red) Chambourcin. Murky ruby color. Aromas and flavors of cranberry, pomegranate and sour red cherry fruit with additional notes of tobacco and dried herbs. Medium earthy finish. The mousse and bubbles dissipate rather quickly. Bright acidity and very dry. Vynecrest’s version of Lambrusco. — 8 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Murky garnet color with an orange rim. Seemed corked based on the nose (wet cardboard funk dominated). However the palate was still vibrant with flavors of dried cherries, raisins, prunes, dark chocolate, black licorice and espresso. Hint of mint on the long and elegant finish. Medium tannins, solid structure and bright acidity. Reaching the end of its drinking window. Quite interesting and elegant. Thanks for sharing, Petey P! Happy 60th Birthday, Karyn. — 9 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Primarily Sangiovese with small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blended in. Dark garnet color with a ruby core. Aromas of red cherry, leather, purple flowers, spices, tobacco and wet soil. Flavors of maremma cherries, red plums, boysenberries, black licorice, black olives, iron and a bit of vanilla. Long and luxurious finish. Beautiful bold structure and complexity. (The Bordeaux varietals add so much) So well integrated. Thanks for sharing, Keith S. Happy 60th Birthday, Karyn! — 9 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.5

An absolutely incredible single vineyard Brunello from a landmark vintage. Dark ruby color with a slight brick rim. Aromas of forest floor, bramble fruit, tar and dried herbs. Flavors of black cherry, tobacco, black licorice and coffee. Long and luxurious finish and just enough velvety tannin to enhance and lengthen the experience. Medium-plus body and perfectly balanced acidity. Powerful, yet beautifully well structured. Still incredibly vibrant. Sangiovese at its finest! This wine has a personality all its own. Thanking Petey for making this incredible selection. Happy Birthday, Kase! — 16 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Blend of Grenache (88%), Syrah (10%) and Mourvèdre (2%). Dark ruby color. Aromas of ripe red and blue fruit, fresh herbs as well as red and purple flowers. Flavors of red cherries, blueberries, black pepper and those lovely fresh Southern Rhône herbs. Long bright and savory finish. Full bodied, well structured and fresh tasting. Medium bodied, with ripe tannins, high level of complexity and very harmonious for such a young wine. Solid now as just a baby. Will continue to improve with age. Thanks so much for sharing, Keith S! Happy 60th Birthday, Karyn! — 9 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Blend of Tempranillo and Graciano. Medium ruby color with a dark core and orange rim. Aromas of coffee, leather, ripe red fruit, wet stones and forest floor. Flavors of black berry/currant/plum fruit, black licorice, balsamic vinegar and roasted meat and nuts. Long earthy and slightly spicy finish. Pleasant acidity and silky (but slightly chalky) tannins. Full bodied, round and elegant. Beautifully aged. Thanks for sharing, Keith S! Happy 60th Birthday, Karyn! — 9 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.7

Blend of Syrah, Aragonnez and Trincadeira. Dark ruby/black color. Aromas of ripe black fruit, purple flowers, forest floor and wood smoke. Flavors of ripe plums, blackberries, dark chocolate, balsamic vinegar and a touch of vanilla. Slight earthy/mineral note on the medium-plus finish. Pretty well balanced but totally fruit forward and dense. Mild tannins and quite full bodied. Lacking a bit of nuance and complexity. Best with food. — 11 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Dark ruby/purple color. Aromas of ripe black fruit, tobacco, wet soil and oak smoke. Flavors of black cherry/currant/plum fruit, baking spices, anise, mushrooms and dark chocolate. Noticeable vanilla cola note on the long lasting oak driven finish. Bright acidity and well integrated (but grippy) tannins. Full bodied and quite complex. Beautifully balanced, smooth, powerful (yet soft at the same time) and elegant. So well integrated. Outstanding quality! Built to age but quite delicious right now. Thank you so much for sharing, Petey! Happy 60th Birthday, Karyn! — 9 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Yet another outstanding vintage (2020) of this consistently excellent Co-Op produced Barbaresco. Aromas of red fruit, dried rose petals and anise. Flavors of bright red cherry and raspberry fruit, mint, Asian spices, minerals and orange zest. Long and earthy/smoky finish. Fantastic balance, structure and depth. Fine grained tannins and a silky texture yet still firm and powerful. So delicious now, but built to age for at least another decade. The quality consistency of this wine vintage to vintage is incredible. Outstanding value! Thanks so much for opening this one, Keith S! Happy 60th Birthday, Karyn! — 9 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.7

Light silver/gold color. Aromas of green orchard fruit, citrus and white flowers. Flavors of green apples/pear, lime, grapefruit, stone fruit and white pepper. Slight hint of mint on the medium finish. Firm mineral backbone and medium-plus acidity. Touch of RS. Lacks a bit of complexity and texture, but more than acceptable. — 14 days ago