The Huber vineyard is the only vineyard on the west coast and the best of three in the United States that produces Dornfelder. You may also find our own introduction, (including expert video discussions) to the varietal here. In the beginning, Norm Huber used to sell all of his grapes to other wineries before bottling wine under the Huber label. In so doing, one can still to this day sometimes find the Huber Vineyard listed on other labels and it seems will also be the case in the near future. One of these other labels made a significant impression on Wine Spectator's James Laube, who describes the Huber Vineyard Dornfelder in his blog.
The Bon Vivant Gourmets love the Huber Dornfelder so much that we rarely open a bottle on a summer's evening just for sipping with light hors d'oeuvres on the patio. Huber Dornfelders are uniquely reserved traditionally for aging in the cellar, Christmases, Thanksgivings, or extremely special occasions. This one mocked us from the cellar, begging to be skewered by a corkscrew, and since we're aging most of the Dornfelders, thought it the perfect opportunity to record their unique richness when youthful.
The Bon Vivant Gourmets love the Huber Dornfelder so much that we rarely open a bottle on a summer's evening just for sipping with light hors d'oeuvres on the patio. Huber Dornfelders are uniquely reserved traditionally for aging in the cellar, Christmases, Thanksgivings, or extremely special occasions. This one mocked us from the cellar, begging to be skewered by a corkscrew, and since we're aging most of the Dornfelders, thought it the perfect opportunity to record their unique richness when youthful.
This is an amazing wine! One that makes you gasp and mutter WOW! When you first see it, it is a rich, dark, purplish black, much like those hybrid car paints where the angle viewed or how the sun is reflected confuses you - is it purple or black? Intensely rich! Often to view color differentials in wine to determine opacity, age, or density, wine experts will tilt the wine to allow light to pass through the different depths of the wine: With the Huber Dornfelder at a complete horizontal definition, the opacity extends right up to the rim - meaning that no matter how shallow the depth of the wine, the light can not completely penetrate through it! That makes for one very, very, very intense wine!
With a swirl, the aromas tease at a conglomeration of powerful flavors: Rich black berries mingling with soft violettes and exotic orchids fill the nose, followed by hints of something from the earth, something dark and indiscernible. On the palate the wine is surprisingly supple, soft, gentle yet intense. Dark blackberries, black cassis, rhubarb, sherry marinated Bing cherries and exotic spices are first noticeable followed by hints of espresso bean, and subtle chocolate on the finish, which lingers for some time. This is a powerful, elegant wine of class and refined distinction.
The Bon Vivant Gourmets have had great success in aging Huber Dornfelders. We believe this wine has the potential to age beyond a decade.
The Bon Vivant Gourmets have had great success in aging Huber Dornfelders. We believe this wine has the potential to age beyond a decade.
