Monday, Feb 16 2009
Cameron Hughes - Wine of the Week
There's almost nothing I like better in the world than finding a good deal, and when it's a good deal on wine? I'm in heaven. That's why I'm excited to post about Cameron Hughes Wine today, because not only is the wine an incredible value, but it's sourced from all over the world, so you'll never get bored.
The wine distribution world is complex and sometimes irritating. You read about a good bottle, only to find out it's unavailable in your area or sold out altogether or produced in such small quantities that you can't possibly lay your hands on any. I'm sympathetic to all of these complaints. When I was first getting into wine, I remember ripping out a magazine article on recommended Chardonnays and taking it to my wine store. The clerk just laughed. "You won't find magazine wines in here, honey," he said. "You have no idea how complicated it is."
Well, now I do know how complicated it is, and because I know, I love nothing better than coming across a fantastic, incredible-for-the-money wine that's also widely distributed. And believe me, that's a rare combination.
So when I heard about Cameron Hughes, I was intrigued. Cameron Hughes the person is what's called a negociant--a French term that means he buys wine from wineries and sells it under his own label. The business advantage is that Hughes can get good-quality wine that's oversupplied, won't sell, or whatever (not because of quality but market conditions), buy it at a low cost, and sell it to customers at a low cost.
Now here's the thing: Cameron Hughes wines are all labeled with lot numbers--for example, Lot 82 is a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon--and they generally are made in small quantities because of the aforementioned business model, so you may try one you love and never get to drink it again. But here's the good news: Based on my tastings, I think I can safely say that Cameron Hughes is an excellent label. (That's not to say you'll love every single varietal, but that it's probably going to be good quality for the money so it's worth it to try, and to keep trying the new offerings.)
More good news: Cameron Hughes is available at major stores like Costco, Sam's Club, Cost Plus World Market, and Safeway. You can even search for CH wine in your area; the website has a wine locator.
Of the three I tasted my hands-down favorite was the Lot 89 Sierra Foothills Syrah ($11). My tasting notes said, "Wow! Fruity bouquet; mid-palate is bright with firm tannins. Dark and chocolatey finish. Truly an outstanding Syrah for the price." The Lot 93 Rioja Tempranillo ($21) was also so delicious that my husband and I raced for the last glass. But I don't want to talk either up too much, because the wines are made in such small lots that these might even be sold out already. Just take away this message: if you're looking for great value wine that taste like twice the price, definitely check out Cameron Hughes.
