2012 Cameron Hughes Private Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

As in my review of their vertical of 2006-2011 the common theme is black currant, cherry, chocolate, earth and vegetal like green bell peppers. On the attack really ripe cherries and this melds into black currants in the mid-palate ending with a chocolate and earth finish with a hint of green bell peppers. On the nose it's really earthy with ripe cherries and black currants. The tannins are still very firm and structured and the wine is framed with a fresh acidity which makes for nice drinking now and the ability for it to age into something really nice. Most Napa cabs I've had don't have enough acidity to make them balanced so this is a plus. If I can compare the Private Reserve wines in my experience they are most similar to the Chappellet Signature Cabs. I like this and the 2007 vintage the best and would give this a 94-95 rating.

This Cameron Hughes Private Reserve 2012 Cabernet Savignon Napa Valley makes a bold statement, but that's just the start of the conversation. It's flavors are complex, its color outstanding, yet it's not quite up to its potential, so be patient. My husband and I enjoyed it with a filet mignon. While we enjoyed it, it lacked a ripening that only time can produce. Ultimately we agreed that this wine while good now, will be great later as its flavors will probably blossom into something spectacular if uncorking is put off for another 5 years. The earthiness of this wine in combination with hints of dark chocolate in the finish are very enjoyable, however for us it lacked a richness and smooth finish that we'd expected based on previous CH Private Reserve Cab wines we've experienced. I recommend this 2012 Private Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Savignon if you are willing to put it in the wine cellar and wait. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- From the Cameron Hughes website: "Dark, dark, dark – pretty much pitch black and very extracted, with a little red around the rim. It’s tight out of the bottle, with immediate notes of fresh turned earth and mocha. With just little air, brilliant raspberry aromas leap from the glass and are underpinned with brambly blackberry, more mocha, and enticing dark chocolate. A high-toned earthiness adds layers of complexity that are furthered by its broad and deep palate and tightly wound, tooth-staining tannins. Critics Challenge Gold Winner: STYLE: Full, Bold FLAVORS: Blackberry, Blackcurrant, Tannins VINTAGE: 2012 APPELLATION: Napa Valley 100% GRAPE: Cabernet Sauvignon ALCOHOL BY VOLUME: 15.5% PRODUCTION: 650 DRINK/HOLD: Now through 2030" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ NOTE: I received this wine from Cameron Hughes for purposes of review.

All I can say after having a glass of this Private Reserve 2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from Cameron Hughes is, "What an excellent wine!" The bold, dry taste of a Cab has made it one of my favorite wines over the years, and this is one of the best of the best. 2012 was a great year for Cabernet grapes, and it certainly shows in this bottle. From the first sip on it presents itself as a robust, full-bodied wine, with a perfect blending of light tannins, oak, plum and dark berries, and a hint of chocolate, one that is consistent from start to finish. This is a wine that is already great and will only improve with age. I would suggest buying at least two bottles of this wine, one to enjoy now and one to cellar for a few years. I savored this wine during the evening while watching a movie. It's great by itself. However, I anticipate that this would be excellent with a fillet mignon or a porterhouse steak. It certainly deserves to accompany the best cuts of beef. I received a bottle of this wine from Cameron Hughes in exchange for writing an honest review, which I am more than happy to provide.

This 2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a deep ruby-red with an initially subdued aroma that barely hints at the frank red berry flavors that explode on the tongue, balanced by a remarkably full body and assertive tannins. It has a long, earthy, and pleasantly puckery finish that suggests taking another sip. It is even better the next day. This 2012 vintage could be used to extend the 2006 to 2011 vertical flight and should age well. Serve it with a meal now and then enjoy it on its own in a few years. Cameron Hughes provided wine for evaluation and review.