Ray Vanderhoff

8.7

Blend of Trebbiano and Chardonnay. Bright golden yellow color. Aromas of tropical flans citrus fruits and wet stones. Flavors of mango, pineapple and lemon/lime fruit. There is a distinct “grapey quality” that shows through. Medium finish and acidity. Lacks balance and complexity. Round and quite fruit forward, but also a bit flabby. — 11 hours ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Another excellent vintage of “Second Label Sassacaia.” Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%) and Merlot (40%). Aromas of black fruit, baking spices and cedar wood. Flavors of black cherries and currants, woody herbs, black licorice and those sweet baking spices. Long finish highlighted by beautiful freshness. Well softened tannins, bright acidity and a silky texture. Simply elegant and at its peak. Part of a June 2026 KZ Tasting. — 2 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Another excellent vintage of this “Baby Brunello.” Dark garnet color with a ruby core. Aromas of red fruits, forest floor, dried rose petals and violets and smoky oak. Flavors of red cherry, raspberry and plum fruit, balsamic vinegar and baking spices. Long lasting mineral driven finish. Round tannins, medium bodied and zesty acidity. Bright and plush. Rustically elegant and consistent from vintage to vintage. From a June 2026 KZ Tasting. — 2 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

100% Sicilian Tannat! Who knew? Dark ruby/purple/black color. Aromas of ripe black fruit, spices and a mineral edge. Flavors of blackberry and black plum jam, mixed spices, especially black pepper. Long fruit dominated finish. No sign of oak aging. Well balanced and boldly structured. Less tannin than I would have expected. Plush and rich but in control. Thanks for carrying this bottle back from Sicily, Ron B! — 2 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

100% Sangiovese. Bright garnet color with a ruby core. Aromas of dark fruit, Asian spices, menthol and dusty earth. Flavors of black cherries and plums, black tea, tobacco, iodine and black olives. Slight hint of vanilla on the medium-plus finish and bright acidity. Well structured with slightly chewy tannins. Well balanced and concentrated. Nice heft. Part of a June 2026 KZ Tasting. — 2 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.7

Light silver/gold color. Aromas of white peach, citrus and yellow flowers. Flavors of yellow apples and melons, unripe peach and lemon zest. Slight mineral note on the medium finish. Very light bodied and a bit bland. Watery (but smooth) texture and low acidity. Wine is fine and refreshing, but it left me wanting more. — 2 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.0

Dark fuchsia/red color. Aromas and flavors of strawberry, raspberry and cranberry fruit. Medium finish and totally sweet. Very little complexity. Tastes like (mass produced) carbonated white Zinfandel or fruit soda. Bubbles and mousse dissipate quickly. It is refreshing. Toast wine at Jennifer and Paul’s wedding. — 4 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Tuscan blend of Merlot (90%) and Alicante Bouchet (10%). Dark ruby color with purple highlights. Aromas of black fruit, exotic spices, tobacco, violets and wet gravel. Flavors of ripe black cherries and plums, cocoa powder, blueberries, black licorice and those exotic spices. Medium-plus finish and body with bright acidity. Slightly chewy but fine grained tannins. Plush and rich. Interesting. — 2 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Bright ruby red color with a slight garnet rim. Aromas of red fruit, wild herbs, forest floor and red flowers. Flavors of ripe red cherries and raspberries, figs, roasted nuts, Dutch cocoa and savory spices. Touches of menthol and minerals on the long and lingering slightly bitter finish. Full bodied with chewy tannins. Nicely textured and very bright acidity. Dense and complex. Part of a June 2026 KZ Tasting. — 2 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Dark ruby/purple color. Aromas of jammy black fruit, wild herbs and sweet spices. Flavors of cooked blackberries and black cherries, black licorice, raisins and baking spices. Medium-plus plush finish and body with good length. Medium tannins and acidity. Highly concentrated, ripe and rich. Thanks to Jennifer and Paul for sending a glass of their wedding wine over to me during dinner. Congratulations Guys! — 3 days ago