Search This Blog

Wine of the Week, July 7, 2013



CAMERON HUGHES LOT 324 CHARDONNAY 2010 ATLAS PEAK NAPA VALLEY
CALIFORNIA $12.99

Cameron Hughes has entered into partnerships with the finest growers and wineries in the world, and has become one of the most trusted wine brands in the industry. Their philosophy makes so much sense to me: take advantage of already existing, proven vintners and vineyards. Why try to reinvent the wheel? Get Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina; Pinot Grigio from Italy; Riesling from Germany; Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon from California; Grenache from Spain; Shiraz from Australia; Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. Other familiar companies that have taken the same approach are Layer Cake, Cupcake, and 90+ Cellars. While one can't argue with their approach, I myself would rather get my hands dirty with soil and stained with wine. Lot 324 delivers what one expects from a creamy and buttery (oaky) Chardonnay. There are aromas and flavors of orange blossom, lemon, almond, pear, and honeysuckle. It's a big wine, with 14.2% alcohol. Harney's has a full line of Cameron Hughes offerings, as well as the wines from Layer Cake, Cupcake, and 90+ Cellars, all of them very affordable.