Ray Vanderhoff

8.8

Blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah. Very light pink/salmon color. Aromas of bright red fruit, pink flowers, citrus and minerals. Flavors of strawberry, ripe cantaloupe and watermelon with a bit of grapefruit and peach. Herbal and mineral notes on the extended finish. A tiny touch of sweetness balances the medium-plus acidity. Extremely fruit forward, but very crisp and refreshing. Solid value. — 3 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Medium straw gold color. Aromas of orchard fruit, citrus, lanolin and white flowers. Flavors of unripe green apples and pears, lemon and minerals. Touch of saline on the long finish. Vibrant elevated acidity. Medium bodied and creamy texture. Somewhat out of balance because the acidity is so pronounced. A bit closed and shy. Not the best vintage of this Washington State unique expression of the varietal. It did improve on the second day. — 6 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.7

“Non-Confused” Super Tuscan Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Sangiovese. Dark ruby/purple color. Aromas of ripe black and red fruits, baking spices, and asphalt. Flavors of black cherry, black currant, raspberry, red licorice and vanilla. Slight earthy/mineral note on the medium length finish. Medium body and smooth tannins. Fruit forward and not overly nuanced. Lacks complexity, but also not offensive in any way. — 9 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.7

Dark ruby color with purple highlights. Aromas of dark fruit, baking spices, graphite and violets. Fruit forward flavors of blackberry, black cherry and ripe strawberry along with hints of those baking spices. Medium length finish and soft tannins. Crisp acidity and a pleasant texture. Robust and very concentrated (a bit syrupy) but lacks complexity. Appreciate the glass, Matt S! — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.3

Primarily Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo). Murky ruby color with some purple highlights. Aromas of leather, smoke funk and red and black fruit. Flavors of sour dried black berry/cherry fruit, baker’s chocolate, toasted baking spices, vanilla and toasted coconut. Medium length (and somewhat bitter/sour) earthy finish. Bristling acidity (masks the tannins) takes the wine out of balance. Needs plenty of aeration to calm this wine down. Quite disjointed. Might be nearing the end of its drinking window. — 5 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Smallest bottle of Moët I have ever seen. Deep golden color with plenty of mousse. Aromas of orchard fruit, white flowers, citrus and brioche. Flavors of green/pear, lemon, gooseberry and that hint of brioche. Crisp acidity and creamy texture. Fresh and lively with a consistent bead of tiny bubbles. Solid and a bit predictable house-style champagne and a nice way to toast our 39th Wedding Anniversary. — 9 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Dark ruby color with a thin garnet meniscus. Aromas of hot asphalt, dark berry fruit and violets. Flavors of sour black berry/cherry, balsamic vinegar, dark chocolate and toasted baking spices. Medium-plus finish and chewy tannins. Full bodied with bright acidity. Quite bold and savory. — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Blend of Trebbiano and Grechetto with some additional local varieties blended in. Light white gold color. Aromas and flavors of yellow apples/pears, lemon, white flowers, raw almonds and a touch of wet limestone. Nice touch of saline on the long and lingering finish. Lovely creamy texture. Excellent structure and crisp acidity. Outstanding value! Thanks for sharing, Chris B! — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Another solid vintage of this NZ Sauvy B. Bright golden color with green highlights. Aromas of citrus, fresh herbs/grass and tropical fruit. Flavors of grapefruit, lime,passion fruit with a mix mineral/wet stone based backbone. Distinct saline note on the long and crisp and clean finish. Bright acidity and medium body and alcohol (13.5%). Solid freshness and precision. Enjoyed with Asian food at Youyu in the Hard Rock in Atlantic City. — 7 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.7

Blend of Pinot Noir (77%), Trousseau (15%) and Pinot Meunier (8%). Aromas of smoke, dark berry fruit, earth and dusty herbs. Flavors of black berry/cherry, cocoa and a roasted meat quality. Abundant (highly elevated) acidity on the short mineral driven peppery finish. Medium body and chewy tannins. Wondering if the smoky quality is from the Meunier or smoke taint? Nonetheless, quite an interesting wine. Nearing the end of its optimum drinking window. — 10 days ago

with Kasey