Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Blend of Gamay (50%) and Pinot Noir (50%). Lovely light fuchsia color. Aromas and flavors of strawberry, raspberry, watermelon, red flowers and dried mushrooms. Nice mineral-laden and earthy (but a bit short) finish. Mouth watering acidity. Light, crisp and bone dry. Best with food. — 6 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Bright fuchsia color. Aromas and flavors of red cherry/raspberry, rose petals and watermelon. Just a touch of sweet spices on the clean and bright finish. Medium-minus body, crisp acidity and nicely balanced. Wonderful mouthfeel. Refreshing! — 10 months ago

Jay Kline

9.0

Popped and poured. This bottle was consumed over three days and fairly consistent throughout. The 2021 RTW “Lodi” pours a ruby color with a transparent core, moving towards fuchsia/magenta on the edge and a slightly watery rim. No signs of particles. Medium viscosity with very light staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is of moderate intensity with a mix of black and red fruits: predominantly blackberries and strawberries that are mostly bruised with some red and purple flowers, fresh basil and sort of crushed gravel and sand aggregate mix. On the palate the wine is dry with medium- tannin and medium+ acid. Alcohol is medium and the finish is medium. Overall impression: this is a wine of freshness and balance and a tremendously versatile red wine for food. 25 barrels produced from a blend of 3 varieties from 3 vineyards in 3 equal parts. Cinsault from the Bechthold Vineyard (planted in 1886), Carignane from Spenker Ranch (planted in 1900) and Zinfandel from Kirschenmann Vineyard (planted in 1915 & Teagan’s home ranch in Victor). — 2 years ago

Vanessa

9.1

Cheers to the wines of South Africa 🇿🇦

This Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir is unique in that the grapes used to produce it primarily came, not from Hamilton Russell vineyards, but rather from neighboring vignerons.

Hamilton Russell made this unprecedented decision in the aftermath of devastating wild fires that imparted smoke taint to its estate-grown grapes. Unwilling to compromise on quality, I applaud Hamilton Russell for its tenacity and willingness to forge ahead to create this delicious Pinot Noir for its customers. 👏👏👏

This wine is comprised of fruit hailing from three different Hemel-en-Aarde (aptly meaning “heaven and earth”) Wards within the Walker Bay District, in the Cape South Coast Region of South Africa’s Western Cape.

This wine is a reflection of community, camaraderie, and commitment to excellence.❤️

👁 It is medium ruby with pale fuchsia rim variation.

👃 On the nose this wine has a medium(+) intensity of youthful aromas. The aromas include candied cherry, strawberry rhubarb preserves, violet, dried orange peel, white pepper, star anise, clove, and nutmeg.

👄 On the palate this wine is dry. It has medium(+) acidity, a medium body, medium alcohol, medium tannins, and medium intensity of flavors consistent with the nose. This wine has a medium finish.

Hamilton Russell, Pinot Noir, Walker Bay, ABV 13.5%. Vintage 2019. — 4 years ago

with Deked1

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Blend of Grenache (48%), Cinsault (32%), Grenache Blanc (4%), Syrah (3%), Clairette (3%), Mourvèdre (3%), Carignan (3%), Picpoul (2%) and Bourboulac (2%). Beautiful deep fuchsia color. Aromas of red cherry/berry fruit, bramble vines and minerals. Bright red strawberry/cherry/raspberry fruit leads the palate with pleasant additions of citrus, minerals and watermelon. Nicely balanced acidity and bright/clean (and long) finish. Refreshing. Pleasant surprise. — 6 months ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; enjoyed over three days. Delicious on Day 1; sensational on Day 3. In the glass, the 2021 “Vesprée” pours a stunning blood orange color nearing a brilliant fuchsia at the core, which is transparent. Medium viscosity. On the nose, the wine is developing with fascinating notes of strawberry, kiwi, those glazed candied citrus slices you see in the European sweet shops, rose water, and wet stone. On the palate, the wine is dry with low tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose with the addition of red plums. Juicy. There’s a long mineral finish and a killer texture. Wow…this is easily the most exciting rosé that I’ve had since the Tondonia Rosado. But while the Tondonia makes you think, the Vesprée melts your heart with its sheer beauty. I think you could age this? I have another bottle…I might just do it for science. Drink now (with a decant if possible). I was great on the pop and pour but it was even better with air. Lovely.
— 10 months ago

David Lee

9.0

Intense perfumed nose. Roses and raspberries. Inky fuchsia appearance. Rustic. Light medium bodied, tart berries, sharp tannins and racy acidity. Long herbal finish. — 3 years ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Foillard’s “Cuvée Corcelette” comes from the eponymous climate in Morgan where Jean’s holdings include vines over 80 years of age. This is a stunning wine that is so Foillard in style: fresh and deep.

Popped and poured; enjoyed over two days. Consistent over both days but seemed to round out a little more on Day 2. The wine pours a deep, hazy ruby with a near opaque core and an almost fuchsia rim; medium viscosity with light staining of the tears and some signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with sensational notes of macerated raspberries, red flowers, carrot juice, celery root, chanterelles, granitic earth and minerals. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ and so easy to love. Super balanced. Drink now and over the next 10+ years. — 8 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Interesting medium/light bodied Zinfandel from the Clare Valley in Australia. Dark and cloudy garnet color with a fuchsia rim. Noticeable aromas of candied cherries/raspberries, forest floor and dusty earth. The palate features red and black berry fruit along with hints of baking spices and cola. Not jammy or overripe. Very crisp with mouth watering acidity. Well crafted from (I’m assuming) grapes grown in high altitude vineyards. Quite refreshing with a moderate 12.4% of alcohol. Great with barbecue! I look forward to trying more Australian Zinfandel. — a year ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

This is a completely organic and vegan Spanish Rose’ blend of Bobal (80%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (20%). Nice light pink color with some fuchsia highlights. Very fragrant with notes of ripe strawberries and white flowers. Fresh on the pallet featuring strawberries, melon and wet gravel. Just a hint of citrus on the finish. Bone dry with plenty of acidity and a bit of heft. Interesting blend of varietals and outstanding QPR! Thank you for sharing, Kase! — 2 years ago