At Hunt Cellars, they specialize in “memorable wines.” Winemaker David Hunt is quite well known in the wine community for his amazing barrel work, and once you’ve tasted one of his bottles, it’s not uncommon to wonder if you should drink anything other than Hunt Cellars wine.

Hunt Cellars 2004 Sweet Serenade Tawny Port

Grape(s): Syrah

Region: Paso Robles

Price:

Review:

A bouquet of currants, plums, walnuts, and caramel rises up from a glass. A sip unfurls flavors of black currants, dried plums and dates accented by rich nutty suggestions along with hints of dark chocolate, caramel, and earth. Smooth, complex, and dry, lovers of Tawny Port will relish this bottle.

Rating: 95

Hunt Cellars 2008 Thriller Red Blend

Grape(s): Syrah, Cabernet, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Franc

Region: Paso Robles

Price: 45-50

Review:

Aromas of cherry, plum, and pomegranate mingle with notes of vanilla, sweet spice, and chocolate on the nose. Flavors of plums, boysenberries, and cherries come together with suggestions of dark-chocolate, clove, and pepper on the palate. A rich, layered wine, fans of smooth, dry, complex reds will enjoy this bottle very much.

Rating: 94

Hunt Cellars 2010 Imagine Pinot Noir

Grape(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Santa Barbara

Price: 60-65

Review:

Aromatics of strawberries, plums, and cherries meld with suggestions of sweet spice, leather, and chocolate on the nose. With a sip, flavors of raspberry and strawberry combine with notes of vanilla, white pepper, and minerals. A rich, full-bodied Pinot, that will pair nicely with food now or develop in the cellar for the next few years, try a bottle if you like supple tannins and ample fruit.

Rating: 95

Hunt Cellars 2007 Rhapsody in Red

Grape(s): Cabernet, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot

Region: Paso Robles

Price: 45-50

Review:

Aromas of cherries, currants, and plums meld with suggestions of chocolate, toasty oak, and coffee on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of cherry and cassis accented by notes of caramel, mocha, and oak. An elegant wine that fans of smooth, complex reds will enjoy.

93