Review: Cameron Hughes 2020 Lot 905 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2021 Lot 887 Petite Sirah

By Rob Theakston | July 11, 2023 |

For those unfamiliar with the premise behind Cameron Hughes’ operations, it goes a bit like this: Cameron and company scour the world sourcing a wide range of wines from vineyards, bringing them to market under their own label at financially feasible price points. Today, we’re pouring two reds to complement summer grilling, a Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Petite Sirah from the North Coast AVA region of northern California.

2020 Cameron Hughes Lot 905 Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County – A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Merlot which is aged 18 months in French oak. This is very much in line with expectations held for a cab, with fruit-forward notes of raspberry, plum, and blackberry up front tempered with some minerality and pepper on the palate. The oak influence appears during a rather short finish, cutting through the grippy tannins and light acidity to add some nuance. This could be served now if in a pinch but if patience is in supply, it may prove advantageous to sit on this for a few years. B+ / $18 [BUY IT NOW FROM CAMERON HUGHES]

2021 Petite Sirah Lot 887 North Coast – Unless intense earthy and brambly notes crashing into one another are your notion of a good time, afford a few minutes to let this one sit in a glass for a spell. Big waves of blackberry and leather eventually come into play, with just a touch of black cherry and acidity. From start to finish the umami elements are unrelentingly dominant, making this a most ideal companion with a massive steak straight off the grill. Quite demanding, and there is really nothing petite about it. B / $16 [BUY IT NOW FROM CAMERON HUGHES]