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David Hunt, the owner and winemaker is blind, but he still plays the piano and names most of his wines after musical terms. David says that his blindness makes his palate and nose extra-sensitive. Maybe that’s why he makes such special wines. Here’s what our panel thought about a handful of his recent releases.
Hunt Cellars 2009 “Rhapsody In Red” Blend
Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, & Cabernet Franc
Region: Paso Robles
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of blackberries, cherries, and cassis mingle with notes of dark chocolate, vanilla, and cedar on the nose. Flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and currants open up into suggestions of mocha, toasty oak, and vanilla bean. Smooth, rich and layered, this is a excellent example of a California Bordeaux-style blend.
Rating: 95
Hunt Cellars 2009 “Maestro”
Grape(s): Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petite Sirah
Region: Paso Robles
Tasting Notes:
Notes of blackberries, strawberries, and plums come together with hints of honey, buttery oak, and clove on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of cherry, strawberry, and blackberry accented by suggestions of butterscotch, toasty oak, and sweet spice. A smooth, velvety “Super-Tuscan” type wine, fans of supple Italian reds ought to try this bottle.
Rating: 92
Hunt Cellars 2009 “Rhapsody” Reserve
Grape(s): 100% Sangiovese
Region: Paso Robles
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of cherries and strawberries unfold into hints of baking spice and sweet oak on the nose. Flavors of bing cherry, strawberry, and cranberry meld with nuances of toasty oak and caramel. It’s bright, light, layered red that will pair nicely with rich Italian fare.
Rating: 94
Hunt Cellars 2009 “Hilltop” Syrah
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Region: Paso Robles
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of blueberries, cherries, and plums are accented by hints of all-spice, white pepper, and roast coffee on the nose. With a sip, flavors of plum, pomegranate, and blueberry emerge, flowing into nuances of dark chocolate, campfire spice, and pepper. A rich, fairly robust wine with impressive layers of flavor, it’s likely to be one of the best Syrahs you try this year.
Rating: 95
Hunt Cellars 2008 “Irresistible” Old Vine Petite Sirah
Grape(s): 100% Petite Sirah
Region: Paso Robles
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of plums, bramble fruit, and blueberries unfold into notes of anise, pie crust, and peppercorns. Flavors of blackberry, plum, and blueberry come together with accents of pepper, clove, and licorice. A rich, supple, dark wine with great complexity, savory every sip it.
Rating: 95
