I was in Paso Robles last weekend for the annual Paso Wine Festival and was “reacquainted” with a past favorite.
I had the pleasure of meeting the man behind the wine, Top Gun Hot Shot: Hal Schmitt in 2007. My Hubby and I were visiting a winery called Midnight Cellars and there he was, Hal!! He is the assistant wine maker at Midnight Cellars with his “own secret weapon”, “VOLATUS”. This is killer creation of his very own and what a wonderful creation it is. He was kind enough to break out a bottle that weekend for us to taste and was also so generous and gave Hubby and I our own bottle to take home. (Hubby and Hal bonded as they have the Military connection - I love that 
) Well, I must say when we broke into the bottle it was spectacular but what I was not counting on what happened during my visit back to Midnight Cellars last weekend. Hal once again broke open a bottle of his 2004 Killer Reserve Red Wine for me to try but what I did not expect to hear from him is that it is the same vintage bottle that I had almost a year ago but there was one significant difference it had gotten better. I personally did not think that was possible and OK I admit it I was wrong - This Killer Reserve Red Wine Aged Amazingly (unlike some of the rest of us!!) This wine got better - so so so much better….. I am kicking myself that I opened the bottle I had - patience that is something I need to learn with Wine!!!
Here are some “tastebud” specifics about this Killer Reserve Red!! This Wine has a Deep Ruby, sanguine almost “black color” That is how rich this is - The aroma is so intense it is filled with dark fruit, earth and tar (yes tar). This wine is thick and velvety and the ripe blackberry, pomegranate, game and earth flavors explode in your mouth. This wine has deeply concentrated Tannins and this 2004 has a wonderfully long and most elegant finish that I have ever experienced. I would pair this wine with a rich red meats, lamb and even venison. Hal is on to something here and I know that Hubby and I are now loyal fans!!
Cheers 
Alva Hyatt on 
Cathy - wheresmydamnanswer on 
Eve on 
8 Comments
First I want to thank you for such a wonderful review on my husband’s wine!
I must say that I am proud to be so lucky to share this wine on a weekly basis with my husband. Not only is Hal devilishly handsome, but his cooking and wine make me feel like I made some sort of deal in exchange for my soul…
We love to drink Volatus with hopefully a Lamb dish (steak and a peppercorn sauce worked great a couple weeks ago). It is great on its own in a nice big glass! Let it breathe because it can be tight for about an hour but then it turns into lovely, rich velvet yumminess. (Yumminess is technical term of course).
Hope you guys can come try it soon!
I too stumbled upon this wine as it was given to me from a friend in San Luis Obispo. I kept the label and just “googled” it and found your blog. I couldn’t agree more, it’s an all-around great wine. It’s full of flavor without being too overpowering. Even my boyfriend loved it (and damn he’s picky). I’m going through there this weekend and hope to pick up a case!
Thanks for visiting our blog Jessica - we have been doing more and more wine reviews. If you like them, be sure to subscribe (in the upper right column of the blog) so you don’t miss out on them. We like to FIND new ones to share that aren’t from the big companies. It’s been a fun thing for us girls to do together.
Thank you Victoria and Jessica for your feedback - I am going to take your advice Victoria and try it very soon!!! Hubby and I are heading back up there in June - (surprise for hubby) hope to share some wine with you!!
Cheers
While I am not a huge wine drinker, Volatus is an incredibly smooth flavorful red wine! I love it!
Hi Margaret - Thanks for your comment and thanks for stopping by. I hope we help in tempting you to try more great wines. Hope you check in again!!
Cheers
Cathy
This is an incredible red wine! Just had some at the Botso Dinner and everyone at our table was in awe! Thanks so much for making such a lovely rich wine that we all enjoyed with great steaks. Hats off to you, Hal Schmitt!
Best,
Sandy
Hi Sandy
Thanks for stopping by I am so glad that you love this wine as much as I do!!
Cheers
Cathy