Winery
of the Week:
Hunt Cellars - Paso Robles
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:
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Hunt
Cellars 2011 "Thriller" Red Blend
Winery:
Hunt Cellars
Grape(s): (Winemaker's secret)
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Year:
2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 45-50
Review:
A bouquet of bramble fruit, black cherry, anise, and sweet
floral 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
Cellars 22011 Grenache
Winery:
Hunt Cellars
Grape(s): 100% Grenache
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Year:
2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 35-40
Review:
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
Cellars 2011 "Bon Vivant Grand Reserve" Cabernet
Sauvignon
Winery:
Hunt Cellars
Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Year:
2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 40-45
Review:
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 |
 |
Hunt
Cellars 2012 "Cinq D' Blanc" White Blend
Winery:
Hunt Cellars
Grape(s): Chardonnay, Viognier, Roussanne
and others
Region: Paso Robles, Ca
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 30-35
Review:
Aromatics of pear, honeydew, and apricot mingle with suggestions
of caramel and candied pineapple on the nose. With a sip,
flavors of pear, peach, and apricot unfold into highlights
of sweet tropical fruit. Offering a rich mouthfeel and
a welcoming acidity, it's an excellent choice for an aperitif
or with your favorite Tai or Indian coconut dish.
Rating: 92 |
Note:
Wines rated with a "+" have not yet reached their
peak quality but will do so over the next few years
By
Jason Barlow
| 96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
| 92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
| 85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
|
