TN: Cameron Hughes Cabernet Lot 200

WINE TALK
1

The wine was delivered today, so I took a bottle to my local Italian to sample with the guys there. We did a pop and pour and I would say that it needed about 15 minutes to open up and reveal itself. This is a wine that matches my palate very nicely. Gobs of dark fruit with spices, and a touch of tobacco. Oak is very nicely integrated. If I was served this blind my guess would be Caymus. Overall, a delicious wine.

2

Otto,

Is it worth more than the $28.00?

3

Luis, if you like Caymus (either regular or SS) it is worth more.

4

Otto
Can you compare this to the 08 Rivers Marie, As I have not tasted a Caymus since late 90’s

Thanks

5

Upon opening - Light ruby red in color - much lighter than I expected. Lots of Oak, smoke, leather, tobacco and plum on the nose. After an hour decant on the nose the oak seemed to fade away a touch; the plum was very predominant as well as some berry sweet tarts on the nose. Drinking this showed a heavy dose of plum, a TON of licorice, cassis, chocolate covered black cherries with very smooth tannins with hardly any tannic bite at the back end finishing with a touch of heat. The finish on this was the highlight as it seemed to go on and on. This needs to pick up a little weight as it was very light for a cabernet.

If i was a betting man after reading the description of Non-disclosure agreements, A+ producer, 100 point scores, Stags Leap, Rutherford, Oakville I’d be willing to bet the farm that this is juice from Andy Beckstoffer and not a single producing winery. Think about it; the year 2008 - height of the financial meltdown, even Beckstoffer had many grapes left to sell.

Worth the $25.99 tariff? Sure why not? Is it a 95 pointer, not on my scale.

6

I believe that Todd’s TN is pretty much on, it is the best CH to date for me – with all of the hype and rumor about it’s source, I thought it showed very well for a 2008, very approachable, not as deep/rich in color than I had thought, but well-balanced dark fruits and structure, but not too tannic/oaky. Low 90’s if I had to give it points. I have some left to try on Day 2.

7

Rob did you pick this up locally or off the CH site?

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[cheers.gif]

9

Bill, they will taste differently. Think of the difference between a Shafer HSS and a Schrader wine. The Shafer is more rounded with more oak influence and the Schrader is more taut. Dependes on what you like. I don’t mean to compare the wines to Shafer or Schrader, just a difference in style. As far as points, I would give the CH 92 and RM 94. But I have no doubt that sometimes I would rather sip on the CH wine, depends on the circumstances.

10

I just sprang for a 2 case order for my local ‘cartel’.
Free shipping and 10% discount… sweet. [wow.gif] [cheers.gif]

11

I purchased this through the CH site, my CH insider email says that some will be available at the Summerlin Costco.

12

Thanks, I’ll be on the lookout.

13

Worth the $25.99 tariff? Sure why not? Is it a 95 pointer, not on my scale.

Is anyone really expecting 95 points (or the approximate quality if you are in the no-points club)? Even from a great winery it is bulk juice that was sold off. That said we mugged the FEDEX guy the other night and popped a bottle of this wine. I was busy but my initial impressions of the wine were: Ruby red color with a purple tinge (not the dark purple of the Napa bruisers) with cassis fruit, an integrated oak treatment and reasonable balance. I liked it but I don’t drink tons of Napa cabs. If you like Napa big boys this might not be your wine.

I bought them because I thought they would make good holiday drinking, gifts and everyday drinking for the next couple of years. Worth $25-30? As Todd said, sure why not?

14

Hey all, glad you are enjoying the Lot 200. There’s plenty more to come with this wine…it only has about 2 months int he bottle and is just emerging from bottle shock and still performing minor flip flops (one week the wines appears rich, maybe fat, two weeks later its thinner and lighter). To boot, the final blend only had a few days to meld in tank before going into bottle. The net net is that this wine has a ways to go before it really starts to sing…

Stylistically, however, everyone is right on. Its not, nor has it ever been marketed as, a “monster” cabernet. Its structured and rich but no fruit bomb.

Cameron

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[cheers.gif]

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I just bought 3 cases to split with my Minneapolis wine club. I am looking forward to trying one of these.

17

Just an update. I opened a bottle Sunday night and had half of the bottle. I forgot the wine in the bar area uncorked and unrefrigerated. Did not have anything on Monday, today I finally got back to the bottle expecting to pour it down the drain, but no notes of oxidation, perfectly fine. FWIW.

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  • 2008 Cameron Hughes Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 200 - USA, California, Napa Valley (11/17/2010)
    Opened last night drank one small glass at cellar temp, too cold. Vacuumed in fridge over night removed around lunch time left on counter sealed to drink around 7. Great plum on the nose and palate very integrated tannins, If it gains body over time its value will improve, but as is with a little air it is a very nice Wine. Worth $100+, N*WIH, I would not feel cheated at at $50 to $65. (91 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

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I think Todd’s note is pretty accurate. Good fruit. Long finish. My one complaint is the lack of structure. A little too soft for my palate. Maybe its baby fat as Cameron noted and the wine will tighten up, but I don’t see it in the cards. Good, not great, wine. Just not for my palate. Have two more and will check in a few months later, giving it the benefit of the doubt. Agree with Otto that this resembles Caymus.