CAMERON HUGHES LOT 30 CHARDONNAY - 2005

My fourth and final review of Cameron Hughes Wine. This Russian River Chardonnay was barrel-fermented and contains 14.5% alcohol. All of the CHW's I reviewed can be purchased either online at www.chwine.com or at Costcos around the country. CHW has done a great job of finding some diamonds in the rough and delivering quality. They are a QPR negociant.

TASTING NOTES:

Pale yellow in color with a light buttered popcorn nose. Flavors of butter, oak, vanilla, mango and pineapple are wonderfully integrated into a harmonious effort. There's also a nice mineral undertone and lots of caramel-like golden flavors on the finish.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

88 PTS

Good acidity, balance and not over-oaked. The tropical fruit flavors are a welcomed surprise and show nicely on the mid-palate. Be careful not to over chill this wine which will mute the flavors. Definitely worth seeking out. Great value here for a well-made California Chardonnay. Retails for around $21.