Ray Vanderhoff

8.3

Light ruby color. Aromas and flavors of jammy black fruit, dark chocolate, wood smoke and baking spices. Kind of sweet and syrupy. Medium finish and body. Smooth tannins. Where’s the acidity? Seems chemically manipulated. Thanks for the taste, Chris B! — 2 days ago

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! — 2 days 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. — 11 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! — 17 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.8

Blend of Castelao (50%), Camarate (20%), Tinta Miida (15%) and Preto Martinho (15%). Dark ruby color with a slight garnet rim. Aromas of stewed red and black fruit, forest floor and menthol. Flavors of ripe/cooked/dried red and black cherry and plum fruit, dried herbs and spices. A bit of a “cough drop” thing (noticeable alcohol) on the medium-plus finish. Nicely balanced and full bodied. Well structured. Age has certainly mellowed out any firm tannins. Thank you for choosing this one, Chris B! — 2 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. — 13 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.7

Blend of Sangiovese (90%), Cillegiolo (5%) and Canaiolo (5%). Pale pink color. Aromas of red berries, green apple, wet stones and dried white flowers. Flavors of red cherry, watermelon, unripe grapefruit and green melon fruit with a hint of fresh herbs. A bit of minerality and a slightly sweet bubble gum thing on the medium finish. Crisp acidity, light bodied and a slightly creamy texture. No real flaws or imbalance but at the same time, pretty nondescript. Does not taste “Italian” to me. Better with food. — 2 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. — 9 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