It's been fascinating tasting wines in the Cameron Hughes Lot Series from time to time. One of the things that stands out to me about them is that they source fruit from numerous regions. Often a Négociant sources primarily (or wholly) from one region. By using the world as their source material Cameron Hughes Wine is able to provide a truly diverse array of offerings. Today I'll look at one of their California releases.
The 2006 Cameron Hughes Lot 100 Stag's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon has fruit from Coombsville (9%) and Mount Veeder (3%). In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon this offering has 3% Petit Verdot blended in. 4,000 cases of this cuvee were produced and the suggested retail price is $20.
This Cabernet is a touch young right now. If you're going to drink it in the next year or so don't be shy about decanting it. An hour would be great, two hours even better. Once it's had that chance to get some air the nose of this wine is quite expressive. Violets, plums, leather and blackberry are all present and prominent. These characteristics continue through the palate where they are joined by an avalanche of cherries as well as subtler cardamon and cinnamon. layer after layer of flavor emerges in the palate which is full flavored and persistent however quite well balanced. Mineral notes, tobacco, black tea and continued spice make up a lengthy and impressive finish. This Cabernet has firm but yielding tannins and good overall structure. While it will pair well will an array of foods, this is the style of Cabernet I like to drink on its own over a long afternoon or evening as I contemplate its many changes.
What stands out most about this wine is that it continues the Cameron Hughes tradition of delivering much more value than the sticker price would indicate. I don't know who they sourced the fruit from, but I suspect that if that name were on the label this would be at least a $35 bottle. If you can wait, I'd lay this down for 3-4 years. That time will really serve this beautiful Cabernet well.