Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Pale ruby color with a bit of a brick rim. Aromas of dried red fruit, leather, forest floor and a bit of pleasant funk (Brett?) Flavors of dried cherry, prunes, tobacco, tar and dried herbs. Medium-plus finish, tannin and intensity. Medium body and acidity. Slightly reductive. Better with aeration. Thanking you for the wonderful gift, Keith S! — 3 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Blend of Sangiovese Grosso (95%-Special Clone) and Cabernet Sauvignon (5%). Dark ruby color that fades a bit on the rim. Aromas of ripe red berry fruit, mint, rose petals and wet soil. Flavors of red plum, cherry, raspberry, mushroom and basil. Touch of smoke on the long and lingering finish. Medium-plus acidity, velvety tannins and firm structure. Well balanced. Crowd pleaser. — 5 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Negrette based Rose’. Light pink/salmon color. Aromas of red berry fruit, red berry candy and fresh herbs. Flavors of ripe strawberries and cherries, grapefruit and white pepper. Herbal note carries through to the long and tangy finish. Bright acidity as well as a bit of richness. Great with food. Solid QPR. — 9 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Bright ruby color with garnet highlights. Aromas of ripe red and black fruit, Asian spices, wet soil, garrigue and wood ash. Flavors of cranberry, red cherries, red plums, tobacco, Earl Grey tea, dark chocolate, grilled herbs and baking spices. Long and lingering finish. Dusty tannins, firm structure and bright acidity. Lovely concentration and mouth coating texture. Bring on the grilled meat. Great choice, Keith S! — 16 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Light golden color. Aromas of unripe stone fruit, dried flowers, wet slate and lemon zest. Flavors of peaches, nectarines, lemon and minerals. Long, mouth coating and tingling finish. The moderate amount of residual sugar is more than balanced by the bold and abundant acidity. Light bodied, crisp and refreshing. Wonderful precision and quality. Great pairing with our Christmas ham. — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.8

Dark ruby/black color with magenta highlights. Aromas of black cherry/raspberry fruit, toasted oak, forest floor, mint and a bit of mousy funk. Fully extracted flavors of dark cherry, black currant, blackberry, truffles and tobacco. Hints of vanilla and sweet and savory spices on the long finish. Very full bodied and concentrated. Noticeable tannins and reasonable balance. — 9 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.2

Drinking a Wisconsin White! Blend of hybrid grapes Itasca (70%), Frontenac Blanc (15%) and LaCrescent (15%). Light white gold color. Aromas and flavors of white table grapes, tropical fruits, white flowers and citrus. Medium finish and body. Abundant acidity that does balance a bit of RS. Gift from a Wisconsin friend. Something different. — 12 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Traditional Amarone blend of Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara. Dark red/purple color. Aromas of ripe red fruits, dried rose petals and baking spices. Flavors of ripe red cherries, plums, vanilla, Christmas spices and cocoa powder. Touch of black pepper spice on the long and luxurious finish. Full bodied and well balanced. Velvety smooth. Excellent QPR. Taste of the Holidays! — 5 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Taking part in the time honored tradition of our Australian friends by drinking Sparkling Shiraz to celebrate Christmas! Dark red/purple color with plentiful mousse. Aromas and flavors of ripe raspberry and cherry fruit along with notes of mint and other fresh herbs. Slight touch of RS, light tannins and bright acidity. Crisp and effervescent but the bubbles do subside quickly. Medium-plus body and well structured. Juicy and plush. Really nice starter bubbly that the group enjoyed. We will continue the tradition! Merry Christmas, All! — 5 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Bright white/gold color with a slight bit of effervescence. Interesting aromas of green vegetables and herbs, wet stones white flowers and a trace of red bramble berry fruit. Flavors of lemon/lime, fresh herbs and minerals. Long finish with ripping acidity. Extremely savory, fresh tasting and somewhat subdued. Interesting. — 15 days ago