100 pounds of Cabernet and a kitchen.  That’s how the Hoyt family made its first wine.  They’ve advanced well beyond that initial venture and now offer an array of small-production wines, which showcase Paso Robles and the surrounding areas impressive ability to deliver world-class grapes.

Hoyt 2012 Tempanillo

Grape(s): Tempanillo

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 50-55

Tasting Notes:

Waves of red currants, raspberries, and cherries mingle with notes of vanilla and clove on the nose. A nice fruit core of blackberry, cherry, and currant play off of mineral, sweet spice, and toasty vanilla elements on the palate. This isn’t a robust Tempanillo like you’d find from Spain, but it’s lush yet bright with nice flavors. Only 55 cases were made.

Rating: 91

 

Hoyt 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s):

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 50-55

Tasting Notes:

A mix of currants and cherries interweave with traces of dark chocolate and toasty oak on the nose. Balanced tannins carry flavors of cassis, black cherry, and boysenberry on the palate, along with expressions of chocolate, minerals, and oak. Well-made with nice depth, the classic rib-eye steak would be a fine pairing.  Only 96 cases produced.

Rating: 91

Hoyt “Dylema” Red Blend

Grape(s): (not provided)

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 20-25

Tasting Notes:

The nose offers a wealth of cherries, plums, and blackberries. Lots of dark red fruit returns on the palate, alongside notes of anise. Supple and forward, it’s quite approachable.

Rating: 88

 

Hoyt 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 50-55

Tasting Notes:

Blackberries and cassis come together with floral and oaky traces on the nose. Cocoa tannins frame nice bramble berry and currant notes with accents of floral earth, barrel spice, and oak on the palate. It’s holding up well after six years and could even go for a few more. Drinks nicely now, though. Lamb chops would pair well. 110 cases produced.

Rating: 90

Hoyt 2015 Chardonnay

Grape(s): Chardonnay

Region:Malibu, Ca

Price: 30-35

Tasting Notes:

One is greeted by pears and peaches and buttery, vanilla notes on the nose. Peach and pear and maybe a hint of tropical fruit comes up front on the palate before wandering into the realm of toast, butter, and vanilla on the finish. Friendly with a pleasant acidity, open a bottle with a seafood risotto. 325 cases were made.

Rating: 89