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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 2000 “Zinful Delight” 15 yr Zinfandel Tawny Port
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 75-80
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of blackberries, walnuts, butterscotch, and chocolate rise up from a glass. The palate showcases flavors of bramble fruit, dried apricot, walnuts, and dark chocolate. A rich, lush port with layers of flavors, it is simply brilliant. Only 89 cases were made.
Rating: 96
Hunt Cellars 2011 “CabOvation Grand Reserve” Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 70-75
Tasting Notes:
Blackberries, cassis, and black cherries combine with notes of sweet spice and toasty oak on the nose. Flavors of bramble fruit, currant, and cherry meld with accents of cedar, clove, and vanilla on the palate. With an inviting overlay of flavors and plush tannins, beef tenderloin would make a fine companion. 275 cases produced.
Rating: 94
Hunt Cellars 2011 “Red Velvet Grand Reserve” Blend
Grape(s): Cabernet Franc & Merlot
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 105-110
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of cherries, plums, and raspberries mingle with suggestions of vanilla, earth, and mocha on the nose. A sip reveals flavors of bright cherry and raspberry that unfold into allusions of roast coffee, cocoa, and earth. Silky with elegant tannins, it’s a lovely red to sip on its own. Only 50 cases produced.
Rating: 93
Hunt Cellars 2011 “Outlaw Ridge Reserve” Zinfandel
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 50-55
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of blackberries, boysenberries, plums, and licorice greets the senses. The palate delivers flavors of bramble fruit, black plum, and currant that flow into whispers of anise, cedar, and spice. Plush tannins and layered flavors make this a ideal match for a well seasoned cut of red meat. 100 cases were made.
Rating: 94
Hunt Cellars 2011 “Que Sirah Syrah” Blend
Grape(s): Syrah & Petite Sirah
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 45-50
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of raspberries, pomegranates, and bing cherries interweave with nuances of vanilla, earth, and dark chocolate on the nose. With a sip, flavors of cranberry, red plum, and pomegranate open up into traces of vanilla, spice, and earth on the palate. A blend with cocoa tannins and lively fruit, enjoy a bottle with your favorite gourmet pizza. Only 95 cases produced.
Rating: 94
Hunt Cellars 2011 “Maestro” Red Blend
Grape(s): Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petitie Sirah
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Price: 45-50
Tasting Notes:
Notes of strawberry, plum, and cherry play with elements of honey, butterscotch, and creamy oak on the nose. Flavors of raspberries, strawberries, and bing cherry emerge on the palate, alongside highlights of toasty caramel, sweet spice, and oak. A wine with opulent fruit and engaging complexity, you just might want to entertain the back label’s suggestion and have it with your breakfast. 250 cases were made.
Rating: 92
