2010 Cameron Hughes Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Lot 345’ [Rutherford] I had this over a couple of days midweek. It’s a rich, ripe example of Cali Cab. We’re mostly Francophiles, but this really hits the spot if one is looking for the fruit blast of Napa. It’s 14.1% according to the label, and indeed feels big. On the nose I pick up rhubarb, nutmeg, cedar notes. On the palate there is black fruit, a hint of licorice too. The texture still has a light hint of dusty tannin, but its mostly resolved. It feels low acid to me and drinks better by itself than with food (although paired incorrectly with Asian foods both nights). No lightening yet, and I would expect this husky cab to continue developing for another decade, as it tastes quite youthful to me with no fading over 36 hours. Mild concern: the cork seems a touch short and seems to be an agglomerated type, but maybe most purchasers aren’t saving these. I think I’d slot this into the tough B+ or A- zone, depending on how much one likes the style.
Still it is lot of wine in the brown bottle for $21 IIRC !