Updated Review: **** $$ Cameron Hughes Lot 219 Zinfandel, Monte Rosso Vineyard, Sonoma Valley, California, 2009 - BEST VALUE

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By way of background, opening thoughts: Cameron Hughes is a negociant, pulling surplus wines and juice together under an umbrella label, seeking higher value per price than the originating wineries can achieve.  This is a single vineyard zinfandel from the label.  There are half a dozen or so labels that source from these vineyards, so I won't even venture a guess as to the originally intended label.  But most do, indeed, retail for considerably more than this modestly-priced offering.


Original tasting and review, October, 2011: This is Cameron Hughes Lot 219 Zinfandel, Monte Rosso Vineyard, Sonoma Valley, California, 2009, finished at 15.3% alcohol, a whopper.

In the glass: CH Lot 219 is bold inky magenta, just turning opaque in the center of the glass. 

On the nose: Poured cool with a brief decant and swirled vigorously, shows bold, rich, structured fruit with definite oak surround sound.  From the aroma, seems like this will be thick, chewy and perhaps sweet in feel, with some higher-toned red notes.

On the palate: The primary elements on the palate are in fact deep black and red currant fruit, rich in the mid-palate, almost viscous, with fruit elements of ripe blackberries and raspberries.  A bright ring surrounds the sweet middle, and tannins accompany the sweet red acids to a lingering but clean finish.

In summary: Overall, bold and bright/balanced experience rates four stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, making this a best value.

Updated review, over a year later, December, 2012:  Consistent color.  Bright black, blackberry nose and bold, spiky aromatic elements.  Still strong, solid, bold fruit plus solid underlying red berry tannic structure.

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Updated Review: *** $$ C&B Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, 2009

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By way of background, opening thoughts: It makes sense to understand the origins of the wines you drink.  Usually (not always, but usually), a winery will describe the most particular level at which its wines were procured.  So "California" is a much wider range than "Napa Valley", which in turn is a much wider range than a particular section or vineyard within "Napa Valley".  Here we are trying a "Napa Valley" cabernet sauvignon, sourced from multiple regions or vineyards within Napa. In assessing this wine also, please recognize that the term "Reserve" has no formal meaning in California.  If a vineyard has a wine without a "Reserve" designation, then the "Reserve" labeling would mean something.


Original tasting and review , October, 2011: This is C&B Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, 2009, finished at 14.1% alcohol.

In the glass: C&B cabernet shows deep, almost black burgundy, opaque a quarter inch from the edge. 

On the nose: Poured cool with a brief decant and swirled vigorously, shows deep and soft black fruit, framed with some oak.  From the aroma, seems like this will be bold, sturdy and chewy.

On the palate: The primary elements on the palate are in fact bold and poignant ripe plums with a solid tannic backbone.  Full ripe plums fade cleanly to the finish, with the tannic robe.  Some red currants showing through as well.

In summary: Overall, with its deep and bright potency, rates a solid three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, almost picks up a plus for its red fruit-driven layers.  May show more with additional time.

Following long decant, full day kept cool in partially filled bottle:  The nose is more shy, but the palate has grown richer with ripe plums.  Still smooth tannins in the finish.
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Updated review, over a year later,  December, 2012:  Consistent color and aroma a year later.  Holds its tangy, plum flavor, brings on sleek, red currants on the finish still as well.  Holding up, but not adding complexity or notable texture.

(c) Copyright 2011 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved.  If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.  If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you; 2) Submit a wine for review.  No charge.  Particulars are here.

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Updated Review: *** $ Tupun Valle de Tupungato Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2008 = BEST VALUE

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By way of background, opening thoughts: Malbec and Argentina "go together like a horse and carriage", especially when the malbec hails from the Mendoza region, which is the case here. 

Original tasting and review , October, 2011: This is Tupun Valle de Tupungato Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina, 2008, finished at (a mere) 13.5% alcohol.

In the glass: Tupun is deep black burgundy, opaque from a quarter inch of the edge, with glittering purple highlights, despite being three years from vintage date.

On the nose: Poured cool with a brief decant and swirled vigorously, shows soft, deep blackberry and some oak with some purple and concord grape overtones.  From the aroma, seems like this will be bright yet substantial.

On the palate: The primary elements on the palate are in fact an inky and deep bold fruit in the center palate.  It brings dry black cherry with a sleek wrapper of fine tannins and a lifting brightness.  The finish lingers, moving to a lightly cheek-tightening "clench" at the very end.

In summary: Overall, varied layers that rate three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale.  Excellent value at acquired price. May have a bit of age-worthiness left.

Following long decant, full day kept cool in partially filled bottle:  Nose is a little softer, but with the same stylistic elements.  Palate is fully consistent.
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Updated review, over a year later, December, 2012:  Consistent, friendly fruity nose.  Nice clarity, depth and sleekness in the palate now.  Strong in its fourth year since vintage date.

(c) Copyright 2011 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved.  If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.  If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine reviewed at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you; 2) Submit a wine for review.  No charge.  Particulars are here. 

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Updated Review: ***** $$$ Hundred Tree Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002, Victoria, Australia - BEST VALUE

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By way of background:  Hundred Tree Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, 2002, from Victoria, Australia, includes 15% cabernet franc in the mix.

Original review, September, 2008:

In the glass, it is very deep burgundy, almost opaque.

Aroma is a bright, eucalyptic cabernet, reasonably deep, but seeming to be somewhat alcoholic (true alcohol level is 14% - high for cab, but not out of the range for Australia).

The palate does bring an inky sweet black fruit to the fore, chased by a tasty bright edge that crawls up the sides of your mouth.

The finish is long, somewhat charred and still alcoholic.

But interesting overall, and could even use more time than the 6 years already in the bottle. Three stars out of five.
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Updated review, over three years later, now a full decade from vintage date, January, 2012:  Very consistent color.  Aroma now brings an intriguing old-world pleasant funkiness (barnyard, not oxidation) to the mix.  Compelling.  Sweet black fruit remains on the palate with a wonderful old-world aromatic overlay.  Stunning now.  Finish is both bright and deep, sparkling in your cheeks all the way.  Five stars.  Hundred Tree Hill is now absolutely at its peak, a decade from being grapes on the vine.  Teeth-shattering best value. Following long decant, full day kept cool in partially filled bottle: More subtle nose.  Palate stays consistent. Following even longer decant, four days kept cool in partially filled bottle: This has held incredibly consistent for the long stay in air.
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Updated review, almost another year later, late December, 2012:  Consistent color and intense barnyard-in-a-bottle aromatics.  Still a stunning blend of old and new, funky and boldy friendly, deep and piercing.  Wonderful find.  The 14% alcohol from this 2002 vintage serves the wine well.  Later vintages are a bit lighter.

(c) Copyright 2011 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved.  If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review.  No charge.  Particulars are here.   If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

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Updated Review: ****+ $$ Formula Small Gully Robert's Shiraz, South Australia, 2005 = BEST VALUE

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By way of background: The Formula Small Gully Robert's Shiraz is a shiraz selected from South Australia vineyards and finished at a big 15.9% alcohol for 2005.

Original Tasting and Review, March, 2010:

In the glass: This Robert's Shiraz shows as deep beet red in the glass, opaque in the middle and just beginning to brick at the edge.

On the nose: Poured cool with a brief decant, this Aussie shiraz sports bold, layered red fruit on the nose, with a solid oak overlay.  With a vigorous swirl, sweet beefy tones come out.

On the palate: The first element on the palate is earthy sweet red fruit, think red currants with a honeydew texture and sweetness.  That moves across your tongue with a furry, slightly motor-oil infused texture, full of slick and still-bright red berries all along.

And the wrap-up: The finish is an extension of the creamy red-fruited middle, leaving just the right hints of residual flavors.

In summary: Overall, intense, layered, pleasurable experience. Rates a full four stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, making this a remarkably powerful value.  

Jay Miller of Wine Advocate also gave this a thumbs up with 90 points, writing, "The Formula Robert’s Shiraz exhibits an expressive nose of bacon and blueberry leading to a layered, easy going wine with a smooth texture and intense flavors. This superb value can be enjoyed over the next five years."

Following a long decant, four-days kept cellar cool in a partially-filled bottle: This is like Methuselah, doesn't change a speck with age!  No difference in nose or palate after this exceedingly-long decant.
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Updated review, over two years later,  April, 2012, now seven years from vintage date:  Still medium deep red, with hints of brick at the edge.  Remains big, beefy and bold on the nose.  Almost piercing.  The palate holds its prior elements of earthy red fruit and melon-like sweetness.  Along with the motor-oil infusion, a slight element of age has crept in - though just a slight element.  Adds a nice tone without making this at all generic.  Strong showing.  Ready to drink up now. Following long decant, four days kept cool:  Luxurious, brightly bold nose. Holding absolutely solid on the palate.  This is an Energizer Bunny!
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Updated review, another nine months later, late December, 2012:  The nose has grown a bit more subtle.  But the palate... omigosh, sweet as ever, fragrant and voluptuous.  Gets a plus for its intense pleasurability.  Gonna be awesome with bacon-wrapped turkey burgers in a sweet-seared glaze.

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Updated Review: **+ $ Silver Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 2009

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By way of background, opening thoughts: Silver Creek Vineyard of California produces a range to classical varietal wines, sourced from multiple California vineyards, all at value prices.  Today we will try three classics from the line, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay, with review samples all provided by Silver Creek Vineyard.

Original tasting and review, September, 2011: This is Silver Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, California, 2009, finished at 13.% alcohol.

In the glass: Medium red with purple highlights at the edges.

On the nose: Poured at room temperature with a brief decant and swirled vigorously, shows shy cassis fruit.  From the aroma, seems like this will be light on the palate, with a more feminine style.

On the palate: The primary elements on the palate are in fact gentle, light, slightly aromatic fresh blackberries and plums, brought across your palate with a lightly acid and lightly sweet sweep. The finish is brighter, with blackberry tones yet crisply clean.

In summary: Overall, rates two stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, with a plus for its easy-going nature.  Would work nicely at a meal that you might otherwise be considering for pinot noir.

Following long decant, full day kept cool in partially filled bottle:   More plum on the nose.  The palate brings forth more dry plums and light tannins. 
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Updated review, over a year later,  December, 2012:  Deep burgundy.  Very shy plums on the nose.  Consistent, light, balanced, friendly, not memorable palate.

(c) Copyright 2011 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved.  If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.  If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine reviewed at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you; 2) Submit a wine for review.  No charge.  Particulars are here. 

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Updated Review: **** $$ Cameron Hughes Lot 276 Los Carneros Pinot Noir, Carneros, California, 2009 = BEST VALUE

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By way of background, opening thoughts: Carneros is tucked between Napa and Sonoma in California and is a popular region for pinot noir.  This particular pinot is picked from vineyards just about evenly split between the Napa portion and the Sonoma portion.

Original tasting and review, November, 2011: This is Cameron Hughes Lot 276 Los Carneros Pinot Noir, Carneros, California, 2009, finished at 14.2% alcohol.

In the glass: Medium red in the glass, with both brick and purple highlights. 

On the nose: Poured cool with a brief decant and swirled vigorously, shows solid red cherry and raspberry fruit with some tight oak.  From the aroma, seems like this will be impactful with both sweet mouth feel and solid acids.

On the palate: The primary elements on the palate are in fact full and lush deep red fruit on the middle palate, with sleek, layered undertones that glide to an effortless, long, clean finish.  Sleek blackberries and cherries form the core of the experience. 

In summary: Overall, flavorful and structured experience rates an easy four stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, making this a best value, and an awesome value in an under-$20 pinot noir.

Following long decant, full day kept cool in partially filled bottle: Consistent aroma, more cherries and less raspberries.  Remains sleek, layered and flavorful.  
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Updated review, over a year later,  December, 2012:  Medium red in the glass, the purple highlights are gone.  The oak is gone from the nose, but the red cherry and raspberry remain.  Remains lush, flavorful and layered on the palate.

(c) Copyright 2011 Spirit of Wine, all rights reserved.  If you are a winery, distributor or marketing agent and you would like to see your (or your client's) wine featured at Spirit of Wine, here are two options: 1) Wait, pray and hope - we may find you someday; 2) Submit a wine for review.  No charge.  Particulars are here.   If you are reading this full posting on any site other than Spirit of Wine, chances are it is a copyright violation.

Check out today's pricing and retail availability for Cameron Hughes pinot noir.