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David Hunt, the owner and winemaker of Hunt Cellars, 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 2010 “Encore” Blend
Grape(s): Cabernet Franc & Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of blackberries, plums, and cherries come together with hints of toasty vanilla and dark chocolate on the nose. With a sip flavors of cherry, plum, and bramble fruit wrap around notes of creamy oak, mocha, and spice. A very smooth, layered wine with plush tannins, enjoy a bottle with special friends.
Rating: 95
Hunt Cellars 2010 “Outlaw Ridge” Zinfandel
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Paso Robles
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of blackberries, plums, and blueberries mingle with notes of anise, pepper, and sweet spice on the nose. The palate reveals flavors of bramble fruit and blueberry accented by suggestions of licorice, cedar, and peppercorns. A rich, flavorful Zin with supple tannins, enjoy a bottle with your favorite BBQ.
Rating: 94
Hunt Cellars 2010 “Rhapsody” Sangiovese
Grape(s): 100% Sangiovese
Region: Paso Robles
Tasting Notes:
Notes of cranberries and bing cherries blend with undertones of butterscotch and smoky oak on the nose. Cranberry, raspberry, and cherry flavors open-up into traces of honey, spice, and toasty oak on the palate. Bright, yet smooth, with a balanced acidity, it will stand-up to any of its Italian counterparts.
Rating: 93
Hunt Cellars 2010 Barbera
Grape(s): 100% Barbera
Region: Paso Robles
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of cherries, strawberries, and pomegranates combine with hints of vanilla on the nose. Flavors of black cherry, plum, and pomegranate are accented by nuances of sweet spice on the palate. Quite supple and silky for the variety, this is likely to be one of the best Barberas from California you taste.
Rating: 94
Hunt Cellars 2010 “Red Velvet” Blend
Grape(s): Cabernet Franc & Merlot
Region: Paso Robles
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of currants, cherries, and plums mingle with notes of toasty oak and mocha on the nose. Black cherry, plum, and cassis interweave with espresso and smoky oak on the palate. A plush, layered wine with a robust highlight of oak, enjoy a bottle with food now, or preferably, let it develop in the cellar.
Rating: 93+*
*Wines rated with a “+” have not yet reached their peak quality but will do so over the next few years
