Ray Vanderhoff

8.2

Light golden color. Extremely muted nose with faint aromas of green orchard fruit and white flowers. Flavors of green apple and pear skin, unripe peach and green melon. Slight bit of mineral on the medium finish. Acidity is present but the wine is very tight. Gentle bubbles that disperse quickly. Little in the way of mousse. Not much to get excited about here. Save this one for Mamosas. At Miguel’s for dinner. — 17 hours ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Rioja blend of Tempranillo (75%), Graciano (20%) and Mazuelo (5%). Deep ruby color with some purple highlights. Aromas of cooked black berries, violets, coffee and a hint of fresh dill. Flavors of black cherry/berry compote, dark chocolate, balsamic vinegar, figs and mushrooms. Touches of bergamot and vanilla on the long and lingering finish. Full body and hefty texture but the tannins have smoothed out nicely. Excellent quality for the price. — 8 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Another solid vintage of this Basque Country white blend. Light white gold color. Aromas of orchard, tropical, white flowers, citrus fruits and wet stones. Flavors of green apple/pear, lemon/lime, nectarine and kiwi. Distinct hint of chalk dust on the medium (but very bright) finish. Slightly Frizzante, fruit forward and light bodied. Great starter, especially on a warm Summer evening. Thanks for sharing, Chris B! — 9 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Well structured Super Tuscan blend that incorporates only the following Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon (45%), Merlot (30%), Cabernet Franc (15%) and Petit Verdot (10%). Plush aromas of black/blue fruit, oaky spice, eucalyptus, violets and leather. Flavors of blackberries, cassis, tobacco, black licorice and dark chocolate. Mineral and garrigue notes on the long and lingering finish. Full bodied, powerful and dense. Well softened tannins with excellent balance, structure and complexity. Solid value for this quality. — 2 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.7

Blend of Syrah (70%) and Grenache (30%). Dark ruby color with some purple highlights. Aromas of red and black fruit, wet gravel, bacon fat and alcohol heat. Flavors of plums, wild berries, roasted meat, dark chocolate, black pepper and iodine. Medium length earthy/salty finish. Medium-plus body and plush tannins. Lots of complexity, but the alcohol simply takes over on this wine. Seemed a bit tired and over aerated. Appreciate you sharing this with me, Chris B. — 9 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

100% Pinot Noir. Light pink color. Aromas and flavors of strawberries, raspberries, raw almonds with a touch of vanilla on the long and drawn out (and somewhat earthy) finish. Creamy texture and mousse as well as a consistent amount of effervescence. Crisp acidity and well balanced. Fruit forward with some noticeable bitterness. Solid. — 11 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Another terrific vintage of this refreshing Greek white. Light/white gold color. Aromas of citrus, white flowers and rose petals. So floral. Flavors of lemon/lime, white peach, cantaloupe and minerals. Touch of salinity on the moderate finish. Light bodied with extremely crisp acidity. 12% ABV. Bright, crisp and wonderful freshness. Outstanding value. Appreciate you opening this one, Chris B! — 2 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

From the Peloponnesus. Dark ruby color. Bright wild bramble berries on the nose along with hints of spices, wet soil, iron and a pleasant funk. Flavors of red plums, pomegranate, sour cherries and savory spices. Getting a natty vibe from this wine. Medium length earthy finish. Medium acidity with very soft tannins. No sign of oak aging. Pleasant. Thanks for the taste, Chris B! — 3 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Blend of Vermentino (85%) and Viognier (15%). Medium golden color. Aromas of green apple, pear, wild herbs, unripe peach and a bit of papaya. Flavors of key lime, nectarine, lemon, chalk and those savory herbs. Bit of saline on the long and expressive finish. Well balanced acidity and a beautiful (lees aging?) creamy, oily and mouth coating texture. Fruit forward but quite savory at the same time. Outstanding value and a wonderful surprise! Thank you so much for sharing this beauty, Chris B! — 9 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

The Monastery where Bubbly production all began around 500 years ago. Primarily Mauzac with small amounts of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc blended in. Medium gold color. Aromas of orchard and citrus fruit with hints of white flowers and raw nuts. Flavors of juicy green apples and pears, granite dust and lemon zest. Slight vegetal note on the long palate cleansing finish. Plenty of bubbles but not in a steady stream. Creamy mousse that does dissipate rather quickly. Medium body and texture. Quite lively! Excellent QPR! Love the history. — 13 days ago