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. — 2 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (47%), Merlot (46%), Cabernet Franc (5%) and Petit Verdot (2%). Dark ruby color with a slight garnet rim. Aromas of ripe blue and black fruit, graphite, violets, light oak and crushed gravel. Flavors of black cherry/berry/currant fruit, blueberries, tobacco and savory herbs. Touch of spice on the medium-plus length savory finish. Medium bodied and softened tannins. Bright acidity and well balanced. — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

This is actually labeled Luaca Old Vineyard Selection Limited Edition Carignan. 100% Old Vine Carignan. Light ruby color. Aromas of dark chocolate, dried rose petals, burnt brown sugar and faint black fruit. Complex flavors of tobacco, black licorice, dark plum and cherry fruit, roasted nuts, and spices. Medium-plus finish and well balanced. Very mature silky tannins. Well structured and extremely savory. Slightly past peak but still quite elegant. Thank you Ron B for serving this very interesting wine. — 5 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. — 2 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. — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.8

Blend of Merlot (65%), Petite Sirah (20%), Cabernet Sauvignon (14%) and Malbec (1%). Dark ruby/black/purple color. Aromas of cooked blue and black fruit, dried purple flowers and plenty of oak. Flavors of cooked blue and black berries, black cherry, bramble berries, cocoa powder and roasted herbs and spices. Plentiful vanilla and mineral notes on the long and oaky finish. Well integrated with very chewy tannins. Full bodied and very extracted. Quite the fruit bomb. Thanks for sharing, Ron B! — 5 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Reliably consistent introductory Red Burgundy. Bright garnet/ruby color. Aromas of fresh red fruit with hints of red flowers and subtle spices. Flavors of red berry fruit (strawberry, raspberry and currants) with additional flavors of red licorice,baking spices and earth. Long, crisp and fresh finish. No sign of oak aging. Medium bodied with a very silky tannin structure. Granted, it lacks the complexity of high end Red Burgundy, but this wine’s fruit forward simplicity is charming. There is a time and place for this easy drinker. Thanking Keith S and Ron B for sharing this bottle. — 6 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. — 3 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

7.9

Blend of Merlot (60%), Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) and Cabernet Franc (10%). Aromas of cedar, wet soil, forest floor and oak. Flavors of tobacco, dark roast coffee green peppers. Frankly, it’s difficult to discern any fruit elements in this wine. (Could be a bad bottle but I am thinking that the grapes used in this wine were totally underripe). Nothing but savory and tertiary notes. Plenty of acidity, which leads me to think this wine is not faulty. Quite inexpensive for a reason. Not for me. — 5 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon (90%) with some Merlot (5%), Malbec (2%), Petite Verdot (2%) and Cabernet Franc (1%) blended in. Dark ruby color with purple highlights. Aromas of black fruit, leather and cedar. Flavors of blackberry, blueberry, boysenberry and black cherry fruit, dark chocolate, dark roast coffee, black licorice and tobacco. Hints of vanilla and baking spices on the long and lingering finish. Bold and well structured tannins. Moderate acidity. Full bodied with a very rich texture. Ready to drink now but can age for at least another half decade. Excellent value Napa Cabernet! Thanks for sharing this one, Ron B! — 6 days ago