Ray Vanderhoff

8.4

Another average vintage. Dark ruby color with some garnet highlights. Aromas of red fruit, earth, cedar and a bit of spice. Flavors of red and black cherry and plum fruit, savory spices and tobacco. Short finish and very light body. Watery texture and not very complex. 12% ABV. Thanks for bringing this to the Food Pantry benefit, Chris B! — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.6

Another vintage of this Abbruzzo red. Dark ruby color with purple highlights. Aromas of red and black fruit, wet soil and a healthy amount of funk. Flavors of red and black cherries and plums, baking spices, tobacco and dark chocolate. Medium length and tannins. Full bodied and quite rustic. Moderate acidity. Better with food. Thanks for the taste, Chris B! — 5 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.2

Light silver/gold color. Aromas of green orchard fruit, citrus zest and a slight amount of petrol. Flavors of green apple, sour citrus and quince and a bit of mineral. High amount of RS. Short finish, low acid and light bodied. Not much of a mid-palate and somewhat disjointed. Watery texture. Not for me. Thanks for the taste, Chris B! — 5 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

CDP blend of Grenache (80%), Syrah (6%) and Mourvèdre (4%) with the balance made up of small amounts of other permitted varietals. Dark ruby color with a slight garnet rim. Aromas of roasted meat, garrigue, graphite, leather and ripe dark fruit. Flavors of tobacco, black olives, black cherry/currant/plum fruit, black tea and a hint of beef jerky. Notes of black pepper, iron and earthy spices on the long and lingering finish. Bold and muscular texture. Extremely savory and rustic. Fruit is definitely in the background at this stage. A complex old school Chateauneuf. Appreciate you sharing this one, Petey! — 7 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.5

Light straw color. Aromas of orchard and tropical fruit, flint and white flowers. Flavors of green apple, melon, lemon/lime, pears, fresh herbs and honey. Medium-plus mineral laden finish and medium-light body. Abundant sweetness that is somewhat balanced by acidity. Smooth and viscous (syrupy) texture. Not overly complex. 8% ABV. Thanks for sharing, Chris B! — 5 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Excellent second label Bordeaux from a very underrated Chateau. Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Merlot (35%) and Cabernet Franc (15%). I have to believe (based on the color) that a bit of Petite Verdot ended up in the blend. Dark ruby/purple/black color. Aromas of ripe black fruit, cedar wood, violet, leather and sweet baking spices. Flavors of ripe black berry/currant/plum fruit, nutmeg, cloves, earth and tobacco. Medium-plus length and beautiful balance and structure. Medium tannins that soften with aeration. Pop and pour a bottle or age it for another 5 to 7 years. — 5 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Primarily Tempranillo with small amounts of Abillo Mayor and Garnacha blended in. Vibrant ruby/purple color. Aromas of ripe black fruit, wet soil, crushed rocks and baking spices. Flavors of plush black berries and plums, dark chocolate, coffee, fresh herbs, cloves and nutmeg. Nice touch of sweet vanilla on the long and grippy finish. Full bodied, well structured and rich. Tannins have smoothed but there still is a bit of grip. A fruit forward easy drinker. Excellent quality for the price. Appreciate you sharing this wine with me, Kase. — 7 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Murky ruby color with some black highlights. Aromas of ripe red, blue and black fruit, citrus zest, dusty earth and wet stones. Flavors of blueberry, raspberry, cranberry and currant fruit with additional notes of dried herbs and minerals. Medium-plus finish and very grainy tannins. No sign of oak aging. Lively tangy acidity. Extremely rustic and savory. — 5 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.4

Excellent follow up to the classic 2015 Vintage. Blend of Mourvèdre (30%), Grenache (30%), Syrah (15%), Counoise (10% and 15% of other approved CDP varietals led by Vaccarese’. Aromas of red and black fruit, garrigue, leather and earth. Flavors of black raspberries, currants and cherries, Asian spices, smoked meat and truffles. Long and lingering (slightly spicy) finish and beautiful balance. Full bodied and dense, but not overpowering. Fine grained tannins. Great now, but there is another decade (or so) of aging potential. Just incredible. — 5 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

100% Chardonnay from the Cote’ Challonnaise. Light golden color. Aromas of orchard fruit, white flowers, citrus zest and wet stones. Flavors of crabapples, lemon and flint. Medium-plus mineral laden finish. Crisp and well balanced. Medium bodied, bright and fresh. No sign of oak aging. Very refreshing. — 5 days ago