I'm excited to be able to tell you about Cameron Hughes Wine. CHW is a negociant or "wine trader." They buy bulk wine from wineries, blend them and sell them to retailers. Often this process entails acquiring some high-end wine that is mixed with lower quality juice to extend the volume available for sale. However, CHW doesn't follow that process. CHW strives for extreme value, quality and integrity. They look to acquire great wine and to sell it without extending it through blending.

CHW wine is available for sale directly through the website www.chwine.com and also through various Costcos around the country.

Lot 25 is a sparkling wine made from 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir. The grapes come from the 1998 vintage and from the appellation of Carneros, Napa Valley, California. Although CHW is unable to disclose the origin of its grapes, their literature proclaims that they were bought from a "fabulous winery that decided not to launch a new $50 sparkling wine brand and instead focus on their still wine business." Lucky us, because CHW is able to deliver great quality at great price.

TASTING NOTES:

Sunny yellow color with a damp mildew nose that dissipates and is eventually replaced with creamy fruit aromas. Flavors of apple, pear, minerals, and toasted vanilla oak are underscored by yeasty, bready notes and a crisp, soft, lingering finish of tart apple, honey and caramel.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION: 89 PTS
This is a very solid white sparkler. Retails for around $21 and has enough complexity and acidity to hold its own against more expensive California wines in its category. Worth picking up.

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