Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

My first Saint-Bris! Pale lemon yellow color. Plush aromas of citrus fruit, white flowers, chalk and abundant fresh herbs. Flavors of unripe peach, all those savory herbs, green apple and lemon zest. Noticeable mineral backbone on the long and drawn out finish. Lively and crisp acidity. Medium-minus body and wonderful freshness. Vibrant and harmonious! There are Chablis comparisons here. Another example of outstanding white burgundy! — a day ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Single Vineyard Tempranillo from Central Spain. Dark ruby/purple color. Aromas of ripe black fruit, tobacco, wet soil and anise seed. Flavors of cooked black cherries, currants and plums, dark cocoa powder, black olives and vanilla. Nicely integrated toasty oak on the long and plush finish. Full bodied. Extremely complex and nicely balanced. Well integrated and very smooth tannins. Bold and very well structured. Quite satisfying. Outstanding quality for the price. Great pick, Petey! — 3 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Light brick red color with a solid ruby core and slight orange rim. Traditional Nebbiolo aromas of wild berries, tar, rose petals, leather, violets and baking spices. Flavors of black cherry, black licorice and those baking spices. Lovely vanilla note on the long and persistent velvety finish. Well balanced (firm acidity) and textured. Quite fresh tasting and perfectly aged. Thanks for including this one in your New Year’s Day brunch, Keith S! — 11 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Certainly got my attention based on the “unique” factor. 100% Malbec that is vinified as a white wine. Practically looks like (clear) water. Aromas of lychee, cherry blossoms and watermelon. Flavors of red cherry, red apple skin, citrus fruit and a bit of vanilla. Distinct tart mineral note on the short finish. Crisp, bright and totally refreshing. Low alcohol (10.5%) very light bodied (almost watery texture). Medium-minus acidity. Best served on a hot day. Certainly a departure from prototypical Malbec. Very inexpensive. Quite the interesting surprise. — 3 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Light straw gold color with greenish highlights. Aromas of citrus fruits, orchard fruits and white flowers. Flavors of lemon, green apple, peaches, fresh herbs and grapefruit. Pleasant mineral note on the medium finish. Crisp acidity and quite clean. Savory and fresh tasting. Thanks for sharing, Chris B! — 3 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.5

Light golden color with persistent bubbles that fade quickly. Aromas of orchard fruit, white flowers and citrus zest. Flavors of apple, pear and lemon/lime. A bit of RS on the medium finish and abundant acidity. Light texture and body. Simple but reasonable. — 10 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Another solid vintage of this 100% Corvina gem. Dark purple/ruby color. Aromas of ripe and cooked red fruit, burnt chocolate, cola and purple flowers. Flavors of cherry compote, red currants, cocoa powder, coffee and black pepper spice. Long and luxurious finish with some sweet oak overtones. Rich, dense, complex and plush. Tannins are so smooth. Easy drinker that can handle a chill. Not quite as outgoing as the stellar 2016 Vintage but still quite good. Thanks for bringing this one out at the New Year’s Day brunch, Keith S! — 11 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.8

Blend of Petite Sirah (60%), Malbec (20%), Cabernet Sauvignon (6%), Merlot (6%), Zinfandel (5%) and Syrah (5%) fruit from both Lake (79%) and Napa (21%) counties. Inky purple/black/ruby color. Aromas of ripe black fruits, tobacco and wet soil. Flavors of cooked plums, dark chocolate, coffee and savory herbs and spices. Well integrated oak on the long finish. Full bodied, medium acidity and quite bold. Smooth tannins. Appreciate you opening this bottle, Chris B! — 3 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

8.6

Dark purple color. Aromas of ripe dark fruit, vanilla and toasted oak. Flavors of black cherries and plums, dark chocolate and sweet and savory spices. A note of imitation vanilla extract on the medium finish. Full bodied with well integrated tannins. A bit short on acidity. Slightly syrupy texture. Thanks for sharing, Chris B! — 3 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Another solid vintage of this Dave Phinney California Merlot. Dark ruby/black color. Aromas of cooked black fruit, lavender, cedar and dark chocolate. Flavors of blackberry compote, chocolate covered cherries, coffee, plum pudding, cola and a bit of fresh herbs. Long, lingering and very smooth finish. Soft tannins. Full bodied and pretty intense. Quite fruit forward but there are also some savory notes. Velvety texture, rich and juicy. Fits within the Orin Swift profile. Solid restaurant value. — 10 days ago