Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Rioja blend of Tempranillo (75%), Graciano (20%) and Mazuelo (5%). Deep ruby color with some purple highlights. Aromas of cooked black berries, violets, coffee and a hint of fresh dill. Flavors of black cherry/berry compote, dark chocolate, balsamic vinegar, figs and mushrooms. Touches of bergamot and vanilla on the long and lingering finish. Full body and hefty texture but the tannins have smoothed out nicely. Excellent quality for the price. — 3 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Another solid vintage of this Basque Country white blend. Light white gold color. Aromas of orchard, tropical, white flowers, citrus fruits and wet stones. Flavors of green apple/pear, lemon/lime, nectarine and kiwi. Distinct hint of chalk dust on the medium (but very bright) finish. Slightly Frizzante, fruit forward and light bodied. Great starter, especially on a warm Summer evening. Thanks for sharing, Chris B! — 3 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.7

Light golden color and a reasonable profusion of bubbles. Aromas of yellow and green orchard fruit, citrus zest and white flowers. Flavors of green apples and pears, peaches, raw nuts and a slight mineral note. Medium finish and length, and also a bit “syrupy.” Bit of RS made this bubbly more of a dessert option for me. Drank at the Yardhouse in Troy, Michigan. — 11 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.7

Blend of Syrah (70%) and Grenache (30%). Dark ruby color with some purple highlights. Aromas of red and black fruit, wet gravel, bacon fat and alcohol heat. Flavors of plums, wild berries, roasted meat, dark chocolate, black pepper and iodine. Medium length earthy/salty finish. Medium-plus body and plush tannins. Lots of complexity, but the alcohol simply takes over on this wine. Seemed a bit tired and over aerated. Appreciate you sharing this with me, Chris B. — 3 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

100% Pinot Noir. Light pink color. Aromas and flavors of strawberries, raspberries, raw almonds with a touch of vanilla on the long and drawn out (and somewhat earthy) finish. Creamy texture and mousse as well as a consistent amount of effervescence. Crisp acidity and well balanced. Fruit forward with some noticeable bitterness. Solid. — 6 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Bright yellow color. Aromas of green orchard, citrus and tropical fruits with hints of white flowers, fresh herbs and wet gravel. Flavors of ripe pear, melon, lemon/lime/orange/grapefruit and peach fruit with additional notes of salted roasted nuts. Pleasant touch of mineral on the long lasting finish. Medium bodied with medium-minus acidity. Crisp and rich enough. Better as a porch sipping option. — 9 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

100% Cortese. Light golden color. Mineral driven aromas of wet gravel, white flowers and a bit of orchard fruit. Flavors of green apple, grapefruit, bitter raw nuts and those ever present minerals. A bit of saline on the medium finish. High acidity and very crisp. Quite the clean palate cleanser. Thanks for sharing, Chris B! — 12 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Blend of Vermentino (85%) and Viognier (15%). Medium golden color. Aromas of green apple, pear, wild herbs, unripe peach and a bit of papaya. Flavors of key lime, nectarine, lemon, chalk and those savory herbs. Bit of saline on the long and expressive finish. Well balanced acidity and a beautiful (lees aging?) creamy, oily and mouth coating texture. Fruit forward but quite savory at the same time. Outstanding value and a wonderful surprise! Thank you so much for sharing this beauty, Chris B! — 3 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

The Monastery where Bubbly production all began around 500 years ago. Primarily Mauzac with small amounts of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc blended in. Medium gold color. Aromas of orchard and citrus fruit with hints of white flowers and raw nuts. Flavors of juicy green apples and pears, granite dust and lemon zest. Slight vegetal note on the long palate cleansing finish. Plenty of bubbles but not in a steady stream. Creamy mousse that does dissipate rather quickly. Medium body and texture. Quite lively! Excellent QPR! Love the history. — 7 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.7

Light golden color with green highlights. Intense aromas of fresh cut grass, tropical, orchard and citrus fruits with a slight note of white flowers. Flavors of grapefruit, gooseberries, minerals, green vegetables and herbs. Bit of salinity on the medium plus finish. Crisp acidity, bone dry and medium bodied. A bit too vegetal for my liking. Tasted at the Yardhouse in Troy, Michigan. — 11 days ago