Ray Vanderhoff

8.8

Light golden color. Aromas of tropical fruits, white flowers, cut grass and wet stones. Flavors of grapefruit, lemon/lime, green melon, white peach and fresh herbs. Medium finish and body. Fruit forward and round style. Vibrant acidity. Pretty well balanced. Thanks for sharing, Chris B! — 18 hours ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Single Vineyard Austrian Riesling. Dark golden color. Aromas of ripe stone fruit, green apples and pears along with a hint of wet stones. Flavors of of white peach, green apple and apricot fruit with additional notes of lemon/lime and fresh herbs. Deeply concentrated. Long and lingering finish. Medium bodied and medium acidity. So fruit forward (Late Harvest grapes?) that the acidity does not catch up leaving the wine slightly out of balance. Somewhat oily/creamy texture and a slight bit of effervescence. Great complexity and texture. Rich and opulent. Slight bit of RS. — 10 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Primarily Merlot. Dark ruby color with some garnet highlights. Ripe blue and black fruit, milk chocolate, smoke and violets on the nose. Flavors of black cherry, blueberry and plum fruit, black licorice and coffee on the palate. Nice lingering finish and acidity. Lush round and subtle, but nothing over the top. Medium-plus body but with a nice element of elegance. Round and vibrant with chewy tannins. Nice velvety texture. Appreciate the wonderful gift, Tom and Tammy. — 16 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Not your typical watery Pinot Grigio. Medium gold color. Aromas of green orchard fruit, jasmine and potpourri. Flavors of green apples and pears, white peach, green melon, dried herbs and lemon zest. Hint of salty minerality on the long and crisp finish. Bold texture and complexity. Light bodied and savory with crisp acidity. A bit of a “Gewurtztraminer thing” going on, which is quite interesting. — 6 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Another solid vintage of this Marlborough Sauvy B. Bright light yellow color. Aromas of gooseberry, white flowers, citrus and wet slate. Flavors of gooseberries, lychee fruit, green apple, unripe peaches, lemon/lime and fresh herbs. Soft note of salty minerals on the long, crisp and clean finish. Vibrant acidity. Fresh tasting with high tension. Quite complex. — 12 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.7

Blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium garnet color with a ruby core and a thin brick rim. Aromas and flavors of red and black fruit, violets, black licorice, tobacco and pencil shavings. Medium finish, body and acidity. Tannins have mellowed with time and age. Has held up well over time. Still reasonably fresh and lively. Thanks for opening, Chris B! — 16 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.4

Blend of primarily Merlot with some Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec blended in. Dark garnet color with a ruby core. Aromas of black fruit, strong coffee and toasted spices. Flavors of blackberry and black plum fruit, dark chocolate and a bit of vanilla. There is a hole in the mid-palate and a very short finish. Somewhat chewy tannins. Medium bodied with plus acidity, which leads to the wine being unbalanced. As someone in the tasting group noted: “Meh.” — 16 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Blend of Shiraz (64%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (36%). Dark ruby color with purple highlights and a fine garnet rim. Aromas of ripe dark fruit, milk chocolate, mint and a bit of alcohol heat. Flavors of black cherry, currant and raspberry fruit, smoked/cured meat, cola, black pepper and baking spices. Medium-plus finish, slightly chewy tannins and noticeable oak. Creamy texture and quite bold. Thinking that laying this one down for a few years helped it mellow a bit. Solid quality for the price. — 8 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

100% Carricante. Light lemon color. Expressive aromas of peach, tropical fruits, citrus, white flowers and a bit of flint. Flavors of ripe peaches, lemon, guava, pineapple, spices and a bit of iodine. Touch of smoky minerality on the long and lingering finish. Quite savory and fresh with excellent length. Crisp acidity and bold structure. Amazing complexity and intensity! Appreciate the wonderful gift, Kase! — 15 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.7

Blend of Merlot (75%), Cabernet Franc (15%) and Malbec (10%). Deep ruby color. Aromas of black olives, violets, dark fruits and tobacco. Flavors of black cherry and plum fruit, baking spices, those black olives, dark chocolate and fresh herbs. Hint of mint on the reasonably long finish. Medium-plus body and acidity. Firm tannins and a bit tight. Good heft and density. — 16 days ago