David Hunt, the owner and winemaker of Hunt Cellars, 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 2013 “Que Sirah, Syrah” Blend

Grape(s): Syrah, Grenache & Petite Sirah

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 45-50

Tasting Notes:

Waves of blueberries, blackberries, and plums dance with allusions of clove, dark chocolate, and toasty oak on the nose. Lovely flavors of blackberry, plum, and raspberry wrap around highlights of dark chocolate, caramel, and all-spice on the palate. Supple and alluring, it’s velvety and layered and will pairing nicely with ribs in a slightly sweet BBQ sauce.  350 cases produced.

Rating: 95

Hunt Cellars 2013 “Cabovation” Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 70-75

Tasting Notes:

Blackberries, currants, and dark cherries blend with vanilla and cedar spice on the nose. Focused flavors of plum, blackberry, and black cherry mingle with suggestions of toasty oak, clove, and smoke on the palate. Good structure and rich flavors make this a stand out Cab. 450 cases were made.

Rating: 94

Hunt Cellars 2013 “Clound 9” Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 70-75

Tasting Notes:

A mix of cherry, cassis, and blackberry jam aromas meld with hints of toasty vanilla and clove on the nose. Lush and smooth on the palate, lots of cherries, boysenberries, and cassis dominate, with expressions of pine, clove, and toasty oak in the background. Layered and framed by supple tannins, it’s an ideal wine for filet mignont. 250 cases produced.

Rating: 93

Hunt Cellars 2013 “Bon Vivant” Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 40-45

Tasting Notes:

One is greeted by aromatics of dark cherries, currants, and blackberries that play among whispers of vanilla, all-spice, and oak. The velvety palate opens up with lush blackberry, plum, and cassis flavors and flows into brown spice, vanilla, and campfire oak. Lovely flavor and welcoming tannins make this a good bottle to enjoy when serving lamb. 500 cases were made.

Rating: 94

Hunt Cellars 2013 “Rhapsody in Red” Blend

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

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 70-75

Tasting Notes:

A mix of bing cherries, plums, and bramble berries, accented by mocha, anise, and oak rise up from a glass. The palate is framed by silky tannins, with flavors of cherry, plum, and blackberry in harmony among elements of dark chocolate, licorice, and toasty vanilla. Elegant yet layered, this could work very well with roast duck. 350 cases produced.

Rating: 93

Hunt Cellars 2013 “Hilltop Serenade” Syrah

Grape(s): 100% Syrah

Region: Paso Robles, Ca

Price: 55-60

Tasting Notes:

Aromatics of plum, cherry, and pomegranate are accented by nuances  of clove, anise, and coffee on the nose. Inviting flavors of plums, dried figs, and pomegranates coalesce with notes of espresso, licorice, and campfire spice on the palate. Plush tannins frame a complex profile make this a special Syrah. 150 cases were made.

Rating: 94