Ray Vanderhoff

8.6

Yakima Valley (WA) fruit vinified in Pennsylvania. Light straw color. Aromas of pot pourri, wet slate and pear. Flavors of pear, lychee, lemon and honeysuckle. A bit of bitterness on the mineral laden finish. Light body and texture (a bit too light) with crisp acidity. Refreshing. — 3 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Bright straw color. Aromas of unripe peach, apple, white flowers and light oak. Palate is more citrus (lemon/lime) focused with hints of green melon baking spices. Light touch of oak on the mineral driven medium-plus finish. Medium bodied with vibrant acidity. Well balanced. Cross between a Chablis and a Pouilly Fusse. Quite good. Thank you for including me in this tasting, Ron B! — 8 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with 6% Petite Verdot blended in. Dark ruby color with purple highlights. Aromas of dark fruit, tobacco and violets. The palate is full of black cherry/currant/berry fruit, black licorice, coffee and baking spices. Long and lingering earthy finish. Quite concentrated, full bodied and expressive. Tannins are firm but nicely balanced with lively acidity. Young, but quite drinkable right now. Aging will only enhance this solid red. Outstanding price for a quality Alexander Valley Cab! — 16 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.5

Dark ruby color. Aromas of blue and black berry fruit with hints of purple flowers, leather and coffee. Blackberry and ripe plum on the palate along with flavors of cocoa, baking spices and a bit of menthol. Oak dominated medium finish. There was some kind of unpleasant chemical aftertaste which did detract from the enjoyment of this wine. — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Unique Piemonte Favorita clone of Vermentino. Bright straw color. Aromas of unripe pear, white flowers and burnt rubber. The palate notes pear, lemon, fresh herbs and a distinct mineral note on the long finish. Crisp and bright acidity. A bit of heft. Quite good. Thank you for the bottle, Ron B! — 10 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Blend of Pinot Noir (66%), Chardonnay (35%) and Meunier (3%) Medium gold color. Aromas and flavors of citrus, apple cider, ripe pear, white flowers and freshly baked bread. Touch of oxidation. Large amount of soft mousse and consistent bubbles. Fruit forward and well structured. So light, crisp and refreshing. Cheers to Baby Amelia!!! — 14 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.4

Washington State Rhône-style blend of Mourvèdre (45%), Grenache (31%), Syrah (12%), Counoise (8%), Grenache Blanc (2%) and Picpoul (2%). Bright ruby color. Aromas of black raspberry, kirsch, dried rose petals and herbs as well as smoked meat. Dark fruit on the palate as well as black olives, tobacco and black pepper. A bit of pleasant bitterness on the long finish. Fine grained tannins and a silky texture. Quite savory with a touch of Brett. A fine example of a wine that has benefited from proper aging. Spectacular vintage of this underrated wine. — 22 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.8

Light golden color. Aromas and flavors of pineapple, mango, guava and white flowers. Pleasant spicy note on the zesty/medium finish. Creamy texture and a consistent bead of bubbles. Fresh, bright and crisp. Not overly complex but easy to drink. — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Blend of Petite Sirah (86%), Syrah (6%), Grenache (5%) and 3% Other Rhône varietals. Dark ruby/purple color. Aromas of bramble berry fruit, violets, tobacco and earth. Cooked blackberry, blueberry, plum and black cherry fruit on the palate with additional flavors of vanilla, roasted herbs and baking spices. Silky tannins and a medium-plus finish. Nice depth and complexity. There is some intensity to this wine but it was not the powerhouse that I was expecting. Very pleasant and a solid value for a Napa red. — 7 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

100% Piedmonte Chardonnay. Medium straw gold color. Aromas of tropical fruits, white flowers, slate and a hint of buttermilk. Flavors of lemon, pineapple, caramel, chamomile and fresh herbs. Nice mineral note on the long and lingering finish. Beautiful malolactic texture. Crisp/mouth watering acidity. Excellent — 16 days ago