Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Bright silver/gold color. Aromas of lemon candy, apple, white flowers and lime. Expressive flavors of lemon, tropical fruit, Granny Smith apple and peaches. Hint of fresh herbs on the medium-plus finish. Mouth watering acidity and excellent balance. Pleasant mouthfeel and aftertaste. So flavorful, bold and well crafted. Heard very good things about Trefethen Dry Riesling and I am glad I finally tried it. Unique Riesling style. — 3 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Skin contact blend of Pinot Gris, Orange Muskat, Tocai Friulano and Gewurtztraminer. Medium orange color. Aromas and flavors of grapefruit, tropical fruits, wet stones and toasted coconut. A very savory mineral note on the long finish. Pleasantly funky. Palate tingling acidity and the effect of Carbonic Maceration (possibly the reason for the wine’s name) is obvious. Wonderful texture and mouthfeel. Complex and very fresh tasting. Quite interesting and delicious. — 7 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Dark ruby/purple color with a slight garnet rim. Aromas of ripe black berry/currant fruit, ash, smoke and leather. Sour red and black cherry fruit on the palate with additional notes of figs, black olives, woody herbs and black pepper spice. Nice hint of charred oak on the medium-plus finish. Well balanced and powerful. Better as it opened up so give this wine a decant. Solid QPR. — 12 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Another solid vintage of this entry level Rioja. Blend of Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo. Dark ruby color with purple highlights. Aromas and flavors of black berry/plum/raspberry fruit, leather, cedar, tobacco, baking spices and vanilla. Touch of toasty oak on the long and savory finish. Nicely structured and elegant. Fresh acidity. Appreciate the taste, Chris B! — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

100% Carignan Rose from an “off the beaten path” region. Pale pink color. Expressive aromas of red berry fruit and rose petals. Baked strawberry and red raspberry fruit flavors with additional hints of red delicious apple, cherry, cranberry and lemon zest. Totally fruit forward. Medium-plus (slightly spicy and minerally) finish, creamy texture and bright acidity. So fresh tasting, lively and well balanced. Light bodied and refreshing. Unexpectedly delicious. Very food (including spicy) friendly. Excellent QPR! Thanks Kase! — 5 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.7

Dark garnet color with a light garnet rim. Aromas of red berries, baking spices, forest floor and a touch of Brett. Flavors of strawberry, red cherry, stewed plum and black pepper. Notes of charcoal and soil on the medium finish. Tongue tingling acidity and very little tannin. Extremely savory. Sensing carbonic maceration. Light bodied and relatively low (12%) alcohol. Interesting if not spectacular. Excellent QPR. — 10 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Another solid vintage of this budget friendly Left Bank Bordeaux. Blend of Merlot (65%), Cabernet Sauvignon (25%), Cabernet Franc (3%) and Petite Verdot (3%). Dark ruby color. Aromas of dark plums and berries with a noticeable amount of violets. Black berry/currant/plum fruit on the palate with a nice spicy note on the finish. Medium body and finish. Smooth tannins and well balanced. Punches above its price point. — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.7

Dark purple color. Aromas and flavors of red and black currants and plums, cranberry, roasted herbs and black pepper. There is a gamey note on the lingering finish as well as balanced acidity. Note of carbonic maceration. Medium bodied , savory and plush. Low on tannins. Decent, but nothing special. — 6 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.8

Blend of Grenache Blanc and Macabeo. Pale yellow color with greenish highlights. Aromas of white flowers, unripe peach, wet stones and citrus fruit. The palate is more orchard fruit (pear and green apple) driven with hints of bitter almonds and minerals. A bit of a sour note on the long finish. Lively acidity. Better as it opened up. Reasonable. — 8 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Cote du Rhône blend of Grenache (60%) and Syrah (40%). Deep garnet color with a ruby core. Aromas of red and black berry fruit, garrigue and baking spices. Same fruit flavors (very ripe) with notes of black licorice, black pepper and vanilla. Medium-plus finish and well balanced acidity. Smooth texture and tannins. This wine expresses the two varietals in the blend beautifully. Exceptional quality for the price. — 12 days ago