The Crying of Lot 25: Cameron Hughes Sparkler

The Crying of Lot 25: Cameron Hughes Sparkler

On a whim, I got a half-case of Cameron Hughes Napa Valley Carneros Sparkling Wine. It was priced at $18.90, and with free shipping, I was intrigued. I’ve liked just about every bottle of Hughes wines I’ve had and feel most are a good value.

Tonight, The Wife was out so I popped a bottle, and as I smelled before I drank, the first word that came to mind was “French.” I’m not sure that’s the appropriate word, but I’ve sucked down a lot of sparklers over the years, and this California version touches something way inside the snoze that I don’t usually get with the west coast bubblies.

With mostly ’98 juice, there was a depth to this drink. With half and half chardonnay and pinot noir, and a light bubble-structure, it starts sweet, ends tart, with a fruity center that I could see making it just a fine friend to cheese or seafood.

If there’s any left by the time the Wife rolls in, I’ll get her opinion and then buy another half-case. Or maybe a whole one.

It’s confirmed: Lot 25 is what I’m drinking this holiday season.



http://www.chwine.com/wine/lot/25

Nice looking bottle too, elegant but festive. Good way to greet holiday guests. Plus, one can really never have too many Pynchon references. "Vineland" is an easy one, but I'll bet you can't work "Gravity's Rainbow" into a thread.

d4v3 wrote:Nice looking bottle too, elegant but festive. Good way to greet holiday guests. Plus, one can really never have too many Pynchon references. "Vineland" is an easy one, but I'll bet you can't work "Gravity's Rainbow" into a thread.

Yes, the appearance of the bottle attracts as well; looks very stable, solid, honest.

Speaking of Pynchon, I was able to paraphrase him this week, quite appositely, if I do say so: "Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't trying to get me."

Working on the Rainbow allusion...watch for it!