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 2012 “Unforgetable” Merlot

Grape(s): Merlot

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 40-45

Tasting Notes:

Float into lovely cherries, blackberries, and cassis with accents of dark chocolate, vanilla, and clove on the nose. The palate opens up with expressions of black cherry and currant, then interweaves traces of toasty vanilla, dark chocolate, and sweet spice. Balanced tannins and layered flavors, make this a standout Merlot.

Rating: 95

 

 

 

Hunt Cellars 2012 “Hilltop Serenade” Syrah

Grape(s): 100% Syrah

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 75-80

Tasting Notes:

Aromas of cherries, blackberries, and pomegranate meld with suggestions of campfire spice, dark chocolate, and pepper on the nose. Flavors of plum, blackberry, and pomegranate come together with elements of mocha, minerals, and Christmas spices on the palate. Lush dark fruit and lovely array of spice make this a compelling Syrah. 150 cases produced.

Rating: 92

Hunt Cellars 2010 “Tawny Sao Saul ” Port

Grape(s): 100% Sao Saul

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 60-65

Tasting Notes:

A bouquet currants, roasted nuts, cocoa, and coffee rise up from a glass. A sip delivers flavors of currant and mejoil date that open up into notes of dark chocolate, smoked pecans, and caramel. Rich and layered, a flour-less chocolate torte would make a lovely pairing. 200 cases were made.

Rating: 92

 

Hunt Cellars 2012 “Rhapsody In Red” Blend

Grape(s): Cabernet, Merlot, Cab Franc, Petite Verdot, and Malbec

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 70-75

Tasting Notes:

Aromatics of cherries, strawberries, and blackberries interweave with expressions of vanilla, cocoa, and oak on the nose. Flavors of black cherry, plum, and blackberry come forth on the palate, accented by allusions of oak, vanilla, and mocha. Supple with velvety tannins, enjoy a bottle with a roast chicken. 275 cases produced.

Rating: 93

Hunt Cellars 2012 “Cabovation” Grand Reserve

Grape(s): 100% Cabernet

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 70-75

Tasting Notes:

The nose offers aromas of cassis, black cherries, and plums that meld with traces of toasty vanilla and clove. The palate delivers flavors of currant, cherry, and plum that harmonize with notes of cedar and sweet spice. A lush, rich Cab with polished tannins, lamb chops would be a fine companion. 400 cases were made.

Rating: 93

Hunt Cellars 2014 “Imagination” Pinot Noir

Grape(s): Pinot Noir

Region: Santa Rita Hills, Ca

Price: 60-65

Tasting Notes:

Aromas of plums, raspberries, and cherries mingle with clove, vanilla, and chocolate hints on the nose. With a sip, dark cherry, ripe raspberry, and strawberry jam come forth and move into elements of toasty vanilla, sweet spice, and dark chocolate. A mouth-filling Pinot with sturdy tannins, pair it with a rich mushroom polenta. 350 cases produced.

Rating: 94

Hunt Cellars 2012 “Cloud 9” Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 70-75

Tasting Notes:

Fragrances of cherries, blackberries, toasty oak, and mocha rise up from a glass. The palate showcases flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and black plum, alongside accents of toasty oak, anise, and coffee. A Cabernet with polished tannins and a depth of flavor, it deserves no less than a filet mignon.

Rating: 93

Hunt Cellars 2012 “Cabovation” Cask 21

Grape(s): 100% Cabernet

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price:

Tasting Notes:

The nose reveals notes of ripe cherries, sweet cassis, vanilla, and dark chocolate greet the senses. The palate showcases flavors of dark cherry, black plum, and currant that interweave with highlights of vanilla and toasty oak. A Cab possessing great elegance and opulence, it’s truly a standout.

Rating: 94