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Ray Vanderhoff

3588 wines • 77 followers • 43 following

Domaine Courtois

La Grange Vinsobres Cru Côtes du Rhône Grenache Blend 2020

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Ray Vanderhoff

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Southern blend of Grenache (55%) and Syrah (45%). Dark ruby/purple color. Aromas of red and dark berry fruit, smoked fresh herbs and forest floor. Flavors of red and black cherries and plums, mocha, black licorice, vanilla and iron. Long and very earthy finish with a bit of black pepper. Full bodied and reasonably well balanced. Very dry with well integrated tannins. Solid value. — 2 days ago

Rob and Paul liked this

Pago del Vicario

Blanco de Tempranillo 2023

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Ray Vanderhoff

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Another vintage of an interesting and unusual white version of Tempranillo. Dark golden color. Aromas of melon, white flowers and dried grass. Flavors of cantaloupe, raw almonds and pie dough. Nice touch of chalky minerality on the long finish. Crisp acidity with a viscous and creamy texture. Medium bodied and excellent length. Totally food friendly. Outstanding quality for the price. — 3 days ago

Château Thivin

"Reverdon" Brouilly Gamay 2021

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Ray Vanderhoff

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Bright garnet color with some periwinkle highlights. Aromas of red and black berry fruit, forest floor, violets and baking spices. Flavors of sour wild strawberries, currants, cherries and plums. Additional flavors of cloves, cardamom along with a distinct mineral note. Slight bit of black pepper on the medium-plus finish. No sign of oak aging. (Concrete?) Bright acidity, medium bodied and ultra soft/silky tannins. Wonderful balance. So cheerful, mellow and easy to drink. Great pairing with a wide array of foods. — 5 days ago

ESF, Tom and 2 others liked this

Bodegas Niel

Santofimia Almansa Garnacha Tintorera Merlot 2017

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Ray Vanderhoff

Ray Vanderhoff

8.7

Primarily a Southern Spain clone of Grenache with some Merlot blended in. Aromas of ripe black fruit, baking spices, leather and smoked meat. Flavors of blackberries and black plums with additional notes, mint, baking spices and black licorice. Finish is long (but a bit funky) and smooth but dominated by oak. Plush texture and nicely integrated tannins. A bit out of balance. Thanks for opening this one, Chris B! — 3 days ago

Paul liked this

Feudi di San Marzano

Sessantanni Old Vines Primitivo di Manduria 2018

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Ray Vanderhoff

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Dark purple/black color. Aromas of cooked red fruit, tobacco and prunes. Flavors of cherry jam, ripe raspberries and plums, baking spices and vanilla. Pleasant note of dark chocolate on the long and lingering finish. Full bodied, rich, plush and concentrated. Lingering acidity keeps the wine in balance. Soft tannins and great intensity. Outstanding! Appreciate you opening this bottle, Keith S! — 4 days ago

Tom, Dave and 6 others liked this

Vigna Petrussa

Rinera Schioppettino 2020

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Ray Vanderhoff

Ray Vanderhoff

8.9

Dark garnet/ruby color with a thin orange rim. Aromas of dark berry fruit, violets and pepper spice. Flavors of tangy blackberry, black currant and cranberry fruit with additional hints of cinnamon and dried mushrooms. Noticeable black pepper on the relatively short finish. Bright acidity and no sign of oak aging. Light bodied. Fresh and vibrant but I would love to see a bit more length. — 6 days ago

ESF, Tom and 2 others liked this

Terredora di Paolo

Campania Aglianico 2020

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Ray Vanderhoff

Ray Vanderhoff

8.8

Murky light ruby color. Aromas of ripe red berries and plums, roasted herbs and violets. Flavors of red and black cherries, cocoa powder and prunes. Hint of black pepper spice on the long and smoky finish. Fine grained tannins and a grippy texture. Medium bodied. Thanks for the glass, Chris B! — 10 days ago

Dave, Tom and 2 others liked this

Bodegas Bretón

Loriñón Rioja Tempranillo 2015

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Ray Vanderhoff

Ray Vanderhoff

8.8

Blend of Tempranillo (85%), Garnacha (10%) and Graciano (5%). Bright garnet color with a thin orange rim. Aromas of black fruit, purple flowers, leather, smoky oak and fresh herbs. Flavors of black berry/cherry/plum fruit, dark chocolate, dried figs, vanilla and black licorice. There is a distinct sour vinegar/dill pickle flavor on the long and lingering finish. Smooth tannins, medium body and bold acidity. Reasonable. Excellent QPR! — 3 days ago

Paul liked this

Terre Nere (Campigli Vallona)

Riserva Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese 2018

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Ray Vanderhoff

Ray Vanderhoff

9.2

Medium ruby color with a slight orange rim. Aromas of sour red fruits, coffee beans and a hint of orange zest. Flavors of red cherries, wild strawberries, roasted vegetables, dark chocolate and black licorice. Touch of salinity on the long and earthy finish. Bristling acidity and firm but nicely polished tannins. Medium-plus body, well balanced and a slight bit of tension. Thanks for sharing, Keith S! — 4 days ago

Dave, Rob and 1 other liked this

Melville

Estate Sta. Rita Hills Syrah 2018

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Ray Vanderhoff

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Opaque ruby color with a thin garnet rim. Aromas of forest floor, bacon fat, fresh rosemary and mint, wet soil and black fruit. Flavors of black olive tapenade, tobacco, smoked meat, red, blue and black berries and roasted herbs. Hint of black pepper and salt on the long (and pleasantly sour) finish. Soft tannins and very bright acidity. Medium bodied and incredibly tertiary and savory. Nicely aged and concentrated. Very interesting and unique expression of the varietal. — 8 days ago

Paul, Tom and 2 others liked this