Ray Vanderhoff

9.5

Deep amber/orange color. Aromas and flavors of orange, dried apricots, candied pineapple and mangoes, white flowers and an intense honey note. Hints of smoky minerals on the extensive finish. Quite sweet but the intense mouth watering acidity keeps everything beautifully balanced. Unctuous, rich, concentrated and complex. Quite a treat and an amazing experience. A well aged dessert wine that was still quite fresh and alive! Sincere thanks for the bottle, Petey! — 2 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Blend of Gamay (50%) and Mondeuse (50%). Light garnet color with a slight ruby core. Aromas of sour red fruit, anise, wet soil, rhubarb and a bit of pleasant funky gaminess. Fruit forward flavors of cooked sour cherries and raspberries, black licorice, blueberries, fresh herbs and sweet baking spices. Long and concentrated finish with nicely balanced acidity. No presence of oak. Light (but firm) tannins and a mere 11% alcohol make this wine crushable. Great texture and terrific with light foods. — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Medium ruby color with a slight garnet rim. Aromas of fresh red fruit, lavender, rose petals, roasted meat and light oak. Flavors of ripe red plums/cherries/raspberries, pomegranate, rhubarb and black tea. Elegant note of sweet baking spices on the long lasting finish. Slightly chewy texture and tannins. Medium bodied and slightly elevated acidity. Bold, but quite elegant and easy to drink. — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.5

An absolutely fantastic single vineyard Brunello. Dark ruby color with a slight brick colored fade on the rim. Fragrant aromas of red berries, tobacco, leather and purple flowers. Flavors of ripe red and black cherries, coffee, black licorice and minerals. Distinct note of forest floor on the long lasting and luxurious finish. Full bodied. Silky tannins and impeccable balance. Powerful, yet quite suave, polished and sophisticated. Aging beautifully and should continue to improve. Absolutely outstanding! Thank you Kase for the wonderful gift! — 3 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Wonderful Long Island Bordeaux-style red blend from a winery that no longer exists. Blend of Cabernet Franc (50%), Malbec (25%) and Petite Verdot (25%). Dark ruby/purple color with just a bit of fade on the rim. Aromas of black/blue fruit, granite dust and intense lavender. Flavors of black cherry/currant fruit, blueberries, leafy herbs with a mineral backbone from start to the end of the very long finish. Touch of a pleasant phenollic funk. Medium bodied and well balanced. Silky tannins and quite complex. This bottle aged nicely. I miss visiting the “tasting shed” at this winery. — 4 days ago

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. — 6 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Another solid vintage. Beautiful golden color. Aromas of stone fruit, honey and white flowers. Fruit salad flavors of peach, pear, apricot, nectarine and a bit of tropical fruit. A rich honey/beeswax note on the long finish. Silky/oily texture with low acidity. (Wine is still nicely balanced.) Quite vibrant and succulent with a lovely creamy structure. Solid value for Condrieu. Aged quite well. — 3 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Pale gold color with green highlights. Aromas of white flowers, orchard fruit, fresh cut grass and citrus. Flavors of pear, melon, peach and lemon fruit along with notes of fresh basil and mint. Long mineral driven finish with elevated crisp acidity. Fresh, bright and clean. Paired well with Raclette. — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.6

Medium garnet color with a ruby core and slight brick rim. Aromas of black fruit, leather, smoky oak and a little bit of funk. Flavors of black cherry/plum fruit, dark chocolate, tobacco and black pepper. Medium-plus length and very earthy finish. Smooth texture and a bit high in acidity. Medium-minus body and low in tannin. Traditional cool climate Cabernet Franc profile. This wine has aged pretty well. — 4 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! — 6 days ago