Cameron Hughes bites the Big Apple

Snooth Offices (162 Madison Avenue)
Tasted Monday, April 19, 2010 by JorgeH with 728 views

Introduction

Had the pleasure of participating in one of the most fun yet educational tastings in recent memory this past evening. The guest of honor was Cameron Hughes himself; a "wine guy" that mixed knowledge, wittiness and good old-fashioned fun.

Flight 1 (9 Notes)

  • 2007 Cameron Hughes Chardonnay Lot 108 Napa Valley 89 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Light gold. A lovely bread dough aroma comes through at first. Afterward, fig and caramel notes emerge. There is some richness and butter from the subtle oak treatment, but it's nicely balanced by the decent acidity. No discernible heat on the medium finish. With airtime in the glass, more complex date and roasted fig notes make an appearance. Very well done.

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  • 2008 Cameron Hughes Chardonnay Lot 159 85 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Barbara County

    Darker gold. A sweeter nose than the Lot 108 with lemon meringue flavors, baked apples and buttery popcorn notes. Some residual sugar in the mouth and toasty oak on the finish. This style certainly has it fans, even if it's a little over the top.

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  • 2007 Cameron Hughes Pinot Noir Lot 125 Carneros 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa / Sonoma, Carneros

    A dark ruby. Awesome cherry notes with some faint mushroom aromas. Soft & elegant even. Vanilla and red berries flavors are predominant. Thankfully no discernible heat or cola flavors are present and there's a very deft touch of wood. Absolutely lovely.

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  • 2007 Cameron Hughes Garnacha Campo de Borja Lot 129 88 Points

    Spain, Aragón, Campo de Borja

    Very dark, almost black. Immediately I get a bit of heat along with ripe plum, smoky bacon and pepper notes. Meaty and full bodied in the mouth. Great acidity. Will et much better with some cellaring or plenty of air time. Some dark chocolate notes emerged later on after some breathing.

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  • 2007 Cameron Hughes Syrah Lot 135 Central Coast 87 Points

    USA, California, Central Coast

    Black as night. Nose shows sweetness, yeast, mint and a faint iodine aroma. In the mouth it's quite warm and welcoming; red & black fruits, fruit liqueur, very good acidity. This has the stuffing to age for quite a few years.

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  • 2007 Cameron Hughes Merlot Lot 169 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Wow! Medium garnet in color. Lovely and elegant aromas of cocoa, coffee, plum and mint. In the mouth it's certainly tannic and structured but has the fruit to complement these. A touch of vanilla and oak at the end. A bit of a brute at the moment, this one needs to sleep for a few years. Amazing juice.

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  • 2007 Cameron Hughes Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 147 89 Points

    USA, California, Sonoma County

    Dark red. An elegant nose with tobacco leaf, cedar box, asphalt and mint. Meaty and a little drying with grippy tannins. Good acidity and a beefy body. Very closed at the moment but a lovely future looms.

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  • 2007 Cameron Hughes Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 149 91 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    Another Wow! This is absolutely gorgeous. Lovely olive tapenade, dark plum and strong peppermint aromas. Dusty and mineral-y with mouth-watering acidity. A hint of toasty oak adds another dimension. This is juicy, tannic and mouth-filling. Can age for at least a dozen years. An absolute winner.

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  • 2006 Cameron Hughes Zinfandel Lot 154 86 Points

    USA, California, North Coast, Lake County

    This Zin had the misfortune of following some very good wine and thus suffered a bit. Nonetheless, it's nice & restrained (relatively speaking). Blueberry & raspberry liqueur aromas. Some smoky and peppery notes. Chewy but not cloying and medium soft tannins on the medium long finish. Very nice.

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Closing

In summary, a couple of real eye-openers and other solid hitters. The more I taste from the Lot Series, the more it's evident that this is one damned impressive line of wines. Well done!

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