Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Another solid vintage of this Marlborough Sauvy B. Aromas of gooseberry, white flowers, citrus and wet slate. Flavors of gooseberries, lychee fruit, green apple, unripe peaches, lemon/lime and fresh herbs. Soft note of salty minerals on the long, crisp and clean finish. Vibrant acidity and high tension. Fresh and bright tasting. — 6 hours ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Primarily Merlot. Dark ruby color with some garnet highlights. Ripe blue and black fruit, milk chocolate, smoke and violets on the nose. Flavors of black cherry, blueberry and plum fruit, black licorice and coffee on the palate. Nice lingering finish and acidity. Lush round and subtle, but nothing over the top. Medium-plus body but with a nice element of elegance. Round and vibrant with chewy tannins. Nice velvety texture. Appreciate the wonderful gift, Tom and Tammy. — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Barrel (Used) aged Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc white blend. Light silver/yellow color with green highlights. Aromas of orchard fruit, white flowers, citrus and a hint of vanilla. Flavors of white peach, gooseberries, lemon/lime, green apple and pineapple fruit with hints of mint and spices. Touch of minerals on the long and crisp finish. Electric acidity and 13% ABV. Slightly creamy texture and a bit of heft from the neutral oak aging. Bold and complex. — 5 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

100% Carricante. Light lemon color. Expressive aromas of peach, tropical fruits, citrus, white flowers and a bit of flint. Flavors of ripe peaches, lemon, guava, pineapple, spices and a bit of iodine. Touch of smoky minerality on the long and lingering finish. Quite savory and fresh with excellent length. Crisp acidity and bold structure. Amazing complexity and intensity! Appreciate the wonderful gift, Kase! — 3 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.4

Blend of primarily Merlot with some Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec blended in. Dark garnet color with a ruby core. Aromas of black fruit, strong coffee and toasted spices. Flavors of blackberry and black plum fruit, dark chocolate and a bit of vanilla. There is a hole in the mid-palate and a very short finish. Somewhat chewy tannins. Medium bodied with plus acidity, which leads to the wine being unbalanced. As someone in the tasting group noted: “Meh.” — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Actually a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (77%), Merlot (12%), Malbec (5%), Cabernet Franc (4%) Petite Verdot (2%). Dark ruby color with some purple highlights. Aroma of ripe black fruit, violets, cedar and burnt caramel. Flavors of black berry/currant/plum fruit, black tea, savory herbs and spices. Lingering finish, plush, well balanced with fine grained tannins. Solid value. Enjoyed at Thyme Rooftop Restaurant with Keith S! — 7 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.7

Blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Medium garnet color with a ruby core and a thin brick rim. Aromas and flavors of red and black fruit, violets, black licorice, tobacco and pencil shavings. Medium finish, body and acidity. Tannins have mellowed with time and age. Has held up well over time. Still reasonably fresh and lively. Thanks for opening, Chris B! — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.7

Blend of Merlot (75%), Cabernet Franc (15%) and Malbec (10%). Deep ruby color. Aromas of black olives, violets, dark fruits and tobacco. Flavors of black cherry and plum fruit, baking spices, those black olives, dark chocolate and fresh herbs. Hint of mint on the reasonably long finish. Medium-plus body and acidity. Firm tannins and a bit tight. Good heft and density. — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Blend of Merlot (80%) and Cabernet Franc (20%). Deep ruby color with purple highlights. Aromas of both red and black fruit, tobacco and violets. Flavors of red and black currant, blackberry and plum fruit, graphite and dark chocolate. Long and lingering finish. Medium-plus body. Excellent balance and structure. Quite bold and expressive, but very elegant as well. Soft tannins and velvety texture. Outstanding quality for the price. — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.8

Primarily Chardonnay with other accepted Blanc de Blanc grapes blended in. Bright light yellow color. Aromas of orchard fruit, bright citrus and wet stones. Flavors of green apples and pears, lime, pineapple and a bit of tangerine. Medium-minus body, reasonable acidity and a steady stream of bubbles. Slight mineral note on the medium finish. No sign of brioche or cream, but quite refreshing. Reminded me more of a Prosecco than a Champagne. Enjoyed with Keith S. at Thyme Rooftop Restaurant in Easton, PA — 7 days ago