Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

@Delectable Wine - This is Cellar Beast’s Single Vineyard (Scooteney Flats) Red Mountain Washington State Malbec. (Vinified in Pennsylvania). Aromas of black and blue fruit, dark cocoa powder and forest floor. Loaded with flavors of black raspberry/cherry/currant and blueberry fruit, dark chocolate and tobacco. Long finish and slightly chewy tannins. Full bodied with well balanced acidity. Nicely structured and complex. Fruit forward but not over the top. Nice complement to the mild chilli served at Matt A’s 50th Birthday party! — 2 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

100% Plavec Mali fruit produced on the Croatian island of Hvar. Murky dark ruby color with a slight orange rim. Aromas of leather, dark berry fruit, wood smoke and dried lavender. Flavors of black cherries, figs and plums, tobacco, dried herbs and roasted nuts. Nice touch of light vanilla on the medium plus earthy finish. Medium acidity and a beautiful soft texture. Noticeable oak but nicely integrated. Nicely aged. Thanks for sharing this one, John P! — 3 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.7

Blend of two thirds Grenache with the balance a blend of Syrah, Carignan and Liedoner Pelut. Dark ruby color with a pronounced garnet rim. Aromas of dried black fruit, forest floor, prunes, tomato leaf and wet slate. Bold flavors of red, black and blue berries, dark chocolate, black tea, Asian spices and cola. Long, plush and generous finish. Medium tannins and Medium-plus body. High acidity and noticeable (too much) alcohol (15.5% ABV). Slightly syrupy texture. High intensity, power and complexity. Better with aeration. — 6 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.5

Blend of Chardonnay (55%) and Pinot Noir (45%). Pale gold color. Aromas of freshly baked bread, toasted nuts, white flowers, citrus zest and a chalky/smoky note. Flavors of grapefruit, green apple, tropical fruits, roasted nuts, and a lovely note of brioche. Long and lingering mineral driven finish. Vibrant acidity along with wonderful tension and complexity. Creamy mousse and texture with a steady stream of fine bubbles. So beautifully savory. Thank you Jason B. for sharing this beautiful wine (and storing it so well) to toast Matt A’s 50th Birthday! — 2 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Beautiful Jurancon white blend from Southwest France. Blend of Gros Menseng (60%) and Petite Menseng (40%). Light golden color. Aromas of tropical, citrus and stone fruit, wet slate, white flowers and light smoke. Flavors of mango, pineapple, tangerine zest, quince and abundant minerals. Long finish and vibrant acidity. Medium bodied and very fruit forward but completely bone dry. Slight creamy texture. (Neutral oak aging?) Beautifully balanced and food friendly. Outstanding value. Need to put more Juracon whites in my cellar. Thank you for sharing this wonderful bottle, John P. — 3 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.7

Light silver-gold color. Aromas of stone fruit, green orchard fruit, spent yeast and white flowers. Flavors of peach, apricot, quince and green apple/pear fruit along with hints of ginger spice and hay. A bit of saline on the short finish and a bit light on both acidity and body. Lacks complexity and texture. Fresh and tangy but also somewhat flabby. — 5 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Pale yellow color with a few green highlights. Aromas of citrus zest, white flowers, chalk and raw nuts. Flavors of lemon/lime, peaches, nectarines and a bit of brioche. Medium-plus finish and a creamy texture from malolactic fermentation. No sign of oak aging. Pleasant texture and mouthfeel. Light bodied and bright with excellent purity of fruit. Some really great Chardonnays are coming out of the Maconnais. Appreciate the sample, Kase. — 2 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Very solid entry level (recently released) white Burgundy. Light yellow color with a few green highlights. Faint aromas of citrus and green orchard fruit, white flowers and raw nuts. Flavors of unripe peach, green apple, lemon zest, raw almonds and a hint of minerals. Medium length finish and bright acidity. Creamy and supple texture (Full Malo) and lively acidity. No sign of oak aging. Well balanced and versatile. Outstanding value. Thank you for the sample, Kase. — 2 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Interesting Languedoc white blend of Sauvignon Blanc (50%) and Viognier (50%) from an outstanding Rhône Valley based producer. Light golden color. Aromas of stone and tropical fruits, citrus and white flowers. Flavors of peach, grapefruit, lemon/lime, apricot and mango. Long finish and crisp acidity. Medium bodied and mouth filling fleshy texture. Nice purity of fruit. Unique combination of grapes that actually work well together. Outstanding QPR. — 5 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (53%), Merlot (35%), Petit Verdot (7%) and Cabernet Franc (5%). Aromas of red and black fruit, pencil shavings, iodine and light cedar. Complex flavors of black berry/raspberry/plum fruit, dark chocolate, black licorice, black tea and a hint of orange zest. Long and satiny finish. Vibrant acidity and well softened tannins. Silky texture and beautifully balanced. Perfectly aged. — 7 days ago