Ray Vanderhoff

8.7

Blend of Pinot Noir (77%), Trousseau (15%) and Pinot Meunier (8%). Aromas of smoke, dark berry fruit, earth and dusty herbs. Flavors of black berry/cherry, cocoa and a roasted meat quality. Abundant acidity of the short mineral driven peppery finish. Medium body and chewy tannins. Elevated acidity. Wondering if the smoky quality is from the Meunier or smoke taint? Nonetheless, quite an interesting wine. Nearing the end of its optimum drinking window. — a day ago

with Kasey

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (73%), Merlot (14%) Cabernet Franc (6%), Petite Verdot (4%) and Malbec (3%). Deep ruby color with a slight garnet meniscus. Plush aromas of black and red fruit, graphite, smoke, dried herbs and toasted oak. Flavors of red and black currants, black raspberries, black licorice and baking spices. Beautiful mineral note on the long and lingering finish. Perfectly balanced and full bodied. Generous and round. Thanking so much for sharing, John P. — 7 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Pale golden color. Aromas of citrus, raw nuts, butter and lightly charred oak. Flavors of green apple, lemon, toasted almonds, baking spices and hot buttered popcorn. Creamy finish with well balanced/rich acidity. Medium bodied and nice freshness. Bright and crisp. Thanks for opening, Keith S! — 13 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.6

Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Deep ruby color with purple highlights. Aromas of black fruit, wet soil, leather and green grass. Flavors of underripe blackberry and black cherry fruit, tobacco, savory spices and plentiful minerals. Medium (slightly bitter) finish and body. Light presence of oak. Tart acidity and somewhat out of balance. An unmistakable green note follows the wine throughout. Not much of a mid-palate. Reasonably low alcohol (13%). — 5 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Medium garnet color with a ruby core. Aromas of red berry fruit, violets and dusty earth. Also, a slight sour aroma that blows off quickly. Flavors of red cherry and raspberry fruit, minerals and savory spices. Long and elegant finish. Smooth tannins and medium acidity. Thanks for the taste, Kase. — 6 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Another solid vintage of this interesting Sicilian rose’. Dark fuchsia color with orange and copper highlights. Aromas of ripe red berries, rose petals and orange zest. There is also a bit of a funky/sour aroma that quickly blows off. Flavors of sour cherry and strawberry fruit, blood orange and minerals. Long and crisp finish with a creamy texture. Zippy acidity and well balanced. Bold and quite food friendly. — 10 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Another excellent vintage of this Barbaresco favorite. Light ruby color with garnet highlights. Aromas of red fruit, rose petals, orange zest and toasted wood. Delicate flavors of sour red and black cherries, sweet baking spices and red and black licorice. Lengthy finish, gentle (but tight) tannins and plus/tangy acidity. Medium bodied, feminine and harmonious. Still young with time to progress. Thanks for opening this bottle, Keith S! — 13 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Left Bank blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (57%), Merlot (27%) and a surprising 16% of Petite Verdot! Dark ruby color with black and purple highlights. Aromas of both red and black fruit, cedar, graphite and smoky minerals. Flavors of blackberry, raspberry and red/black currant fruit with additional flavors of tobacco, dark chocolate and savory spices. Long and expressive finish with exceptional balance and very smooth tannins. Great combination of fruit and tertiary notes. Exceptional QPR for good quality Bordeaux. Outstanding aging potential. Really appreciate you serving this one, Kase! — 6 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.6

Primarily Corvina (80%), Corvinone (10%) and Rhondinella (10%). Dark ruby color with purple highlights. Aromas of red and black fruit, cocoa and forest floor. Flavors of dried cherries, raspberries, red and black currants along with a bit of cranberry sourness. Hints of dark chocolate and pepper spice. Finish is a bit on the short side and not much of a mid-palate. Vibrant acidity and medium bodied. — 8 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Blend of Corvina (60%), Corvinone (20%), Rondinella(10%), Croatina (5%) and Oseleta (5%). Dark ruby color. Aromas of dried red and black fruit, diesel fumes, leather and a bit of vanilla. Flavors of intense black berry/cherry/plum fruit, tobacco and sweet baking spices. The vanilla note is present on the long and lingering persistent finish. Velvety texture and harmonious with some noticeable alcohol heat. Bold, rich and intense. Thanks for sharing, Keith S! — 13 days ago