June 3, 2008

Cameron Hughes Lot 51 Malbec 2004

VARIETAL: Malbec
REGION: Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza Argentina
PRICE: $11
Now this is an interesting concept -- buy surplus wine from purportedly high-end producers in all the major wine regions and sell it under one label, exclusively to Costco. My curiosity was certainly piqued when I was read the sell sheet for the Cameron Hughes Malbec, but I had my doubts as I am a little uncomfortable trying mysteriously sourced--as well as private label--wines. Part of my personal enjoyment of a wine is learning about the producer.

But I digress. You want to know what this juice is all about and I will tell you: it is not bad. I know, a little underwhelming, but frankly so is the wine. I LOVE malbec and am quite familiar with the varietal in all of its incarnations, but the style of this one just isn't quite what I was hoping for. It is quite aromatic and I did enjoy the ripe dark berry scents. However I found it a little too fruit forward for my taste. I like a malbec that shows great fruit as well as firm tannins and interesting spice. The Lot 51, to me was much more stylistically akin to an Aussie Shiraz. Again, not bad but not what I was expecting.

I will be investigating the other Cameron Hughes offerings at Costco so stay tuned.

In the meantime, check out their story for yourselves. Cameron Hughes Lot 51 Malbec

Read More in: Malbec | Wine Tasting Notes