Cameron Hughes Cam X Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2023 (750ml)

 

Rated 92 Points by James Suckling

           

CAM X Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley Lot 01 2023

 

“Aromas of black fruit, chocolate, red currants, dried herbs, graphite and earth.  The palate is well balanced, with a rounded mouthfeel, fine-grained tannins and a soft and fruit-driven finish.  There’s plenty of generosity and complexity for the price.  Drink or hold.”

 

Cameron Hughes CAM X Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Alexander Valley 2023

 

Organically & Regeneratively Frarmed, Souced from Top Alexander Valley Vineyards

 

A vibrant blend of red raspberry, cherry, and red currant with notes of cinnamon, pink peppercorn, juicy blue fruit, baker's chocolate, and fresh tobacco

 

Winemaker:  Cameron Hughes

 

Appellation:  Alexander Valley

 

Farming:  Organic

 

Varietals:  83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petite Verdot, 5% Malbec, 5% Merlot

 

Introducing you to a new adventure that just might change the way you experience wine forever.  If you know anything about Cameron Hughes, you know he has pioneered the role of the négociant (AKA wine trader) here in the USA and has built two of the most daring wine empires in the game.  Now he is taking everything he has learned - every resource, every insider connection - and pouring it into his latest venture, CAM X Wine.

 

The Scoop

 

Cam X Lot 1 2023 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet lots from $75 to $100 per bottle Cabernet Sauvignon programs and features ~50% new French oak.  Organically and regeneratively farmed, this amazing property produces wines with complexity and soul at very reasonable alcohol levels.  We further upgraded the wine with some killer Petite Verdot, Malbec and Merlot lots from two different luxury programs, one in Alexander Valley and one in Oakville (seriously, wines that go into $200+/bottle programs) and the result is an absolutely gorgeous 2023 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon chock full power, elegance, vinous soul and it’s all here at a lovely 14.0% alcohol.

 

Tasting Notes

 

This wine features a perfect balance of ripe blueberry, blackberry, and raspberry flavors, complemented by notes of dark chocolate and seasoned oak.  As it opens up, more red fruit characteristics emerge, including raspberry, bright red cherry, and currant, enhancing the bouquet.  This evolution turns the floral notes sweet and spicy, adding complexity to the experience.

 

Alcohol:  14.0%

 

Winemaking

 

 High quality 7% Petite Verdot, 5% Malbec and 5% Merlot was added to upgrade the wines.

 

Vineyard:  Organically and regeneratively farmed.

 

Viticulture:  The Cam X Lot 1 is a blend of high quality lots around the vineyard.

 

Aging:  18-Months in ~ 50% new French Oak

 

Bottled:  April 29th, 2025

 

Features:  Cork

 

 

CAM X Wines

 

By Cameron Hughes

 

Founded by négociant Cameron Hughes in 2025, CAM X is a direct-to-consumer (DTC) wine platform dedicated to bringing exceptional wines to American consumers at honest prices.  Built on Hughes' 25-year track record of sourcing premium wines and eliminating distribution inefficiencies, CAM X offers limited-production lots from top producers at prices 70-90% below traditional retail.  Each wine represents Hughes' personal selection and approval, backed by his reputation for delivering exceptional quality and value.

 

Wine Philosophy

 

Great wine is born in the vineyard, shaped by nature, and perfected through craftsmanship.  Cameron Hughes' team collaborates with top-tier growers and renowned winemakers to uncover hidden gems - singular wines of quality and character that embrace their terroir.  Because they source from an extensive array of wineries, Cameron Hughes does not adhere to a "house style".  Instead, he takes pride in allowing each Lot to speak for itself, showcasing its distinct personality and story, be it a hedonistic Napa Valley Cabernet or an elegant Sonoma Coast Chardonnay.  They are more akin to your favorite wine shop that boasts an eclectic, carefully curated assortment of incredible wines, all offered without the prohibitive price tags typically found in high-end collections.  Each "Lot" offer comes with comprehensive tasting notes, detailed descriptors, and an accurate representation of the wine's style, allowing you to make the right decision for your palate.  Cameron Hughes' goal is to make great wine something you can enjoy every day.