huntcellars

At Hunt Cellars, winemaker David Hunt, has an artistic side, too. Alas, David lost his sight in 1989, so his expressions of art come in the form of his winemaking and his music. As a musician, he plays at his own winemaker dinners and indulges his passion for music by bestowing his wines with musical titles. Despite his blindness, David can still appreciate the beauty of Paso Robles. For him it comes through in the soil, the weather, the water and ultimately in the wines. Here’s what our tasting panel had to say about a handful of his current wines:

Hunt-11-Thril

Hunt Cellars 2011 “Thriller” Red Blend

Grape(s): (Winemaker’s secret)

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 45-50

Tasting Notes:

Aromas of cherries, plums, and raspberries come together with notes of dark chocolate, toasty vanilla, and peppercorns on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of sweet cranberry, black cherry, and plum that open up into traces of cocoa, toasty oak, and spice on the palate. Elegant and complex, it’s a wine that lives up to its name.

Rating: 94

Hunt-11-Gren

Hunt Cellars 2011 Grenache

Grape(s): 100% Grenache

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 35-40

Tasting Notes:

A bouquet of cherries, red currants, figs, and white pepper rises up from a glass. Flavors of ripe cherry, sweet cranberry, and fresh fig emerge on the palate alongside earthy and peppery hints. Silky smooth with plush tannins, this isn’t your typical robust Rhone. Fans of soft, sophisticated reds will really enjoy it.

Rating: 93

Hunt-11-BVcab

Hunt Cellars 2011 “Bon Vivant Grand Reserve” Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 40-45

Tasting Notes:

Fragrances of cherries, blackberries, red currants, and toasty oak greet the senses. The palate offers flavors cherry, bramble fruit, and currant that unfold into whispers of toasty oak and sweet spice. Supple tannins and rich fruit, make it a ideal choice for lamb.

Rating: 94