WINE OF THE TIMES
CELEBRATED MAVERICK WINE NEGOCIANT, CAMERON HUGHES OF THE ULTRA HIP BOUTIQUE
CAMERON HUGHES WINE, POURS OVER THE BEST OF THE SEASON
Wine of the Times
We all know that the holidays aren’t just about mistletoe, elves and eggnog. A fair bit of stress seems to accompany this otherwise jolly time of year—usually in the form of party planning, gift giving and in-laws. That said, here are some wines that will take the edge off your holiday season, make impressive gifts and knock the socks off your relatives as well.
A few of my holiday favorites include buttery California Chardonnays, bold Napa Cabernets, smoky Central Coast Syrahs and, of course, sparkling wine. Here, I highlight some of the best higher end and great value wines, guaranteed to help you sip the life fantastic this season.
CHARDONNAY
Goes well with lobster, seafood and fettucine alfredo.
Cameron Hughes Wine Lot 57 2005 Carneros Chardonnay, $12.99
Not yet rated
Rich fruit notes of pear, peaches and vanilla with hints of butterscotch permeate through this very well-balanced wine.
Rombauer 2005 Carneros Chardonnay, $30.00
92 points, Wine Spectator
This rich and full-bodied, Chardonnay opens up with peach, apple, and tropical aromas then tastefully tapers off with peaches and oak on the mid-palate.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Best with roast beef and steaks.
Cameron Hughes Wine Lot 35 Yountville Cabernet, $14.00
Not yet rated
This Cabernet with a Bordeaux-like structure is introduced with blueberry, blackberry flavors with a tang of eucalyptus. A dusty earth emerges with black cherries, currant and sage.
Sterling 2003 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, $25.00
86 points, Wine Spectator
A mix of currant, spice, cedar and mineral, this Cabernet has a pleasant aftertaste.
SYRAH
The perfect wine to accompany your Thanksgiving turkey.
Cameron Hughes Wine Lot 53 Edna Valley Syrah, $10.99
Not yet rated
Featuring lush, bold black fruit with rich mouth feel, this well-structured Syrah has soft tannins that give it a great balance.
Rosenblum 2004 Syrah Hillside Vineyards, $26.99
89 points, Wine Spectator
This powerful red has a combination of black fruit, sweet herbs and smoke.
SPARKLING WINE
Perfect with cracked crab, shellfish and truffled popcorn.
Cameron Hughes Wine Lot 25 1998 Carneros Sparkling Wine, $21.00
90 points, Wine Enthusiast
This sparkler, stars with white peach, honeysuckle and orange blossom. A toasty vanilla, green apple and pear on the mid-palate, make this wine well-balanced and very affordable.
Veuve Cliquot Brut Yellow Label Champagne, $40.00
90 points, Wine Adovocate
This well-balanced champagne is fresh with fruit and brioche notes.
Domaine Carneros La Rêve Carneros 1998 Sparkling Wine, $55.00
90 points, Wine Spectator
Spicy pear, hazelnut and light touches of lemon-lime, citrus and Granny Smith apple flavor this higher-end sparkling wine.
Cameron Hughes Wine believes that excellent wine should be available at a value price. The company, which buys small lots of high-end premium wine and blends them together, sells directly to the retailers minus the winery, distributor and wholesaler—hence the great price. Cameron Hughes Wine is also the first American negociant company to be 100% carbon neutral, working with the Carbon Fund to completely eliminate the carbon emissions generated by its business as a result of travel, freight and customer shipping.
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