Cameron Hughes Lot 895 Red Mountain Malbec – Premium Washington State Wine Excellence

Updated → August 2025

Discover the bold sophistication of Cameron Hughes Lot 895 Red Mountain Malbec, a limited-release Washington State wine showcasing the terroir of Red Mountain AVA. This exceptional Malbec delivers concentrated dark fruit flavors, velvety tannins, and remarkable aging potential at an accessible price point.

Red Mountain AVA: The Heart of Washington Wine

The Red Mountain American Viticultural Area stands as Washington State's smallest yet most prestigious wine region, encompassing merely 4,040 acres of vineyards. This compact powerhouse produces some of the Pacific Northwest's most sought-after wines, including the exceptional Cameron Hughes Lot 895 Red Mountain Malbec.

Red Mountain's unique geological composition features ancient flood deposits and windblown loess soils, creating perfect drainage conditions for premium grape cultivation. The region experiences dramatic diurnal temperature variations, with summer days reaching 90°F while nights drop to 50°F, preserving crucial acidity while developing concentrated flavors. These extreme temperature swings contribute to the signature intensity found in every bottle of Cameron Hughes Lot 895 Red Mountain Malbec.

The appellation receives less than eight inches of annual rainfall, necessitating controlled irrigation that allows vintners to precisely manage vine stress and fruit concentration. This arid climate, combined with the region's southeastern-facing slopes, creates ideal conditions for Malbec cultivation, resulting in wines with exceptional structure and longevity.

Cameron Hughes Wine Philosophy

Cameron Hughes has revolutionized the wine industry through an innovative négociant model that sources exceptional wines from prestigious producers and regions. This unique approach allows wine enthusiasts to experience world-class wines at fraction of typical retail prices. The Cameron Hughes Lot 895 Red Mountain Malbec exemplifies this philosophy perfectly.

Each Cameron Hughes lot represents a limited production run, with bottles numbered sequentially to maintain exclusivity and traceability. The company's relationships with top-tier wineries enable access to surplus production from renowned vineyards that would typically command premium prices under original labels. This business model benefits both producers seeking discrete inventory management and consumers desiring exceptional value.

The selection process involves rigorous blind tastings where Cameron Hughes himself evaluates hundreds of samples annually. Only wines meeting stringent quality standards receive lot designations. This meticulous curation ensures every bottle delivers remarkable quality regardless of price point.

Lot 895 Tasting Notes and Profile

The Cameron Hughes Lot 895 Red Mountain Malbec presents an inky purple color with vibrant ruby edges, immediately signaling its concentration and youth. The aromatic profile bursts with blackberry compote, wild blueberry, and crushed violets, complemented by subtle notes of graphite, dark chocolate, and freshly cracked black pepper.

On the palate, this wine delivers remarkable depth and complexity. The attack showcases ripe black cherry and plum flavors, evolving into layers of espresso, vanilla bean, and baking spices. The mid-palate reveals impressive structure with well-integrated tannins providing backbone without overwhelming the fruit expression. The finish extends impressively, leaving lingering notes of dark cocoa and mineral undertones characteristic of Red Mountain terroir.

The wine's balanced acidity keeps the rich fruit flavors fresh and vibrant, preventing any sense of heaviness despite its full-bodied nature. Oak integration appears seamless, suggesting careful barrel selection and aging protocols that enhance rather than dominate the fruit character.

The Rise of Washington State Malbec

While Argentina remains synonymous with Malbec production globally, Washington State has emerged as a formidable competitor in crafting exceptional expressions of this noble variety. The Cameron Hughes Lot 895 Red Mountain Malbec represents the pinnacle of Washington's Malbec evolution.

Washington's Malbec journey began in the 1990s when pioneering vintners recognized similarities between the state's eastern regions and Argentina's high-altitude vineyards. The combination of intense sunlight, cool nights, and minimal rainfall creates optimal conditions for Malbec cultivation. These environmental factors produce wines with deeper color extraction, firmer tannin structure, and higher natural acidity compared to warmer climate examples.

Red Mountain specifically has proven exceptional for Malbec cultivation, with its calcium-rich soils contributing to the variety's characteristic floral aromatics and structured tannins. The region's consistent growing seasons allow Malbec to achieve full phenolic ripeness while maintaining refreshing acidity, creating wines suitable for both immediate enjoyment and extended cellaring.

Terroir Impact on Lot 895

The distinctive terroir of Red Mountain profoundly influences the character of Cameron Hughes Lot 895 Red Mountain Malbec. The region's unique combination of geological, climatic, and topographical features creates an ideal environment for producing world-class wines.

Red Mountain's soils consist primarily of sandy loam overlaying calcium carbonate-rich substrates. This composition ensures excellent drainage while providing essential minerals that contribute to the wine's complexity and structure. The high pH soils naturally limit vine vigor, concentrating energy into fruit production rather than excessive vegetative growth.

The steep southwestern-facing slopes maximize sun exposure throughout the growing season, ensuring complete ripening even in cooler vintages. Constant winds from the nearby Yakima River help moderate temperatures and reduce disease pressure, allowing for sustainable farming practices that preserve the natural expression of the terroir.

Ultimate Food Pairing Guide

The robust character of Cameron Hughes Lot 895 Red Mountain Malbec makes it an exceptional companion for hearty, flavorful dishes. Its firm tannins and concentrated fruit flavors complement rich proteins and bold seasonings beautifully.

Meat Pairings

Grilled ribeye steak with chimichurri sauce creates an ideal match, with the wine's tannins cutting through the meat's richness while its fruit flavors echo the herbs' brightness. Braised short ribs benefit from the wine's depth and structure, creating harmonious flavor integration. Game meats like venison or wild boar particularly shine alongside this Malbec, as its earthy undertones complement the proteins' natural gaminess.

Vegetarian Options

Grilled portobello mushrooms stuffed with blue cheese and walnuts provide umami richness that matches the wine's intensity. Eggplant parmigiana offers similar weight and texture compatibility, while its tomato-based sauce echoes the wine's natural acidity. Aged hard cheeses, particularly Manchego or aged Gouda, create delightful textural contrasts while highlighting the wine's fruit concentration.

International Cuisines

Argentine asado naturally pairs with this bold Malbec, honoring the variety's South American heritage. Mexican mole negro dishes benefit from the wine's chocolate notes and spice tolerance. Mediterranean lamb preparations with rosemary and garlic create aromatic synergies that enhance both food and wine.

Optimal Serving Recommendations

To fully appreciate Cameron Hughes Lot 895 Red Mountain Malbec, proper serving temperature and glassware selection prove crucial. Serve this wine between 60-65°F (15-18°C), slightly cooler than typical room temperature, to preserve its aromatic complexity while softening alcohol perception.

Choose large-bowled Bordeaux-style glasses that provide ample surface area for aeration while concentrating aromas toward the nose. The wide opening allows proper oxygenation, softening tannins and revealing hidden aromatic layers. Fill glasses no more than one-third full to facilitate proper swirling and aroma concentration.

Consider opening the bottle 30-45 minutes before serving to allow initial aeration, or employ decanting for younger vintages to accelerate the wine's evolution. The wine's structure suggests it will continue improving with air exposure over several hours, making it ideal for extended dinner parties.

Cellar Worthiness and Aging Potential

The structural components of Cameron Hughes Lot 895 Red Mountain Malbec indicate excellent aging potential. The combination of ripe, concentrated fruit, firm tannins, and balanced acidity provides the framework necessary for graceful evolution over 8-12 years from vintage date.

During the first 2-3 years, expect the wine to remain fruit-forward with prominent tannins requiring decanting for optimal enjoyment. Years 4-7 represent the sweet spot when primary fruit integrates with developing secondary characteristics of leather, tobacco, and dried herbs. Beyond year 8, tertiary notes of mushroom, forest floor, and truffle begin emerging while tannins fully resolve into silky texture.

Proper storage conditions remain essential for achieving optimal aging results. Maintain consistent temperature between 55-58°F with 60-70% humidity. Store bottles horizontally in a dark, vibration-free environment. Consider purchasing multiple bottles to track evolution over time, opening one annually to observe development.

Comparable Red Mountain Wines

Understanding how Cameron Hughes Lot 895 Red Mountain Malbec compares to other regional offerings provides valuable context for appreciation. Red Mountain produces numerous exceptional wines that share similar terroir influences while expressing unique winemaking philosophies.

Hedges Family Estate produces benchmark Red Mountain wines emphasizing biodynamic farming practices. Their red blends typically showcase similar structure and concentration while incorporating Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah for added complexity. Fidelitas Winery specializes in single-vineyard expressions that highlight specific Red Mountain sites, offering interesting comparative tasting opportunities.

Col Solare represents the ultra-premium segment with their Bordeaux-style blends commanding significantly higher prices while delivering marginally incremental quality improvements. Kiona Vineyards, one of Red Mountain's founding estates, produces value-oriented wines that provide glimpses of regional character at accessible price points, though lacking the concentration found in Lot 895.

Value Proposition Analysis

The Cameron Hughes Lot 895 Red Mountain Malbec represents exceptional value within the premium Washington wine category. By leveraging the négociant model, Cameron Hughes delivers Red Mountain quality typically associated with $40-60 bottles at substantially lower price points.

Consider that vineyard-designated Red Mountain Malbecs from established producers routinely exceed $50, while cult bottlings can reach triple digits. The ability to access similar quality through the Cameron Hughes channel creates remarkable opportunities for both everyday enjoyment and special occasion consumption without financial strain.

The limited production nature adds collectibility appeal, as each lot represents a finite opportunity to experience specific vineyard expressions. Smart buyers often purchase cases to cellar, recognizing the wine's quality-to-price ratio may never be repeated once the lot sells out.

Professional Decanting Techniques

Proper decanting significantly enhances enjoyment of Cameron Hughes Lot 895 Red Mountain Malbec, particularly for younger vintages where tannins remain prominent. The process serves dual purposes: separating potential sediment and accelerating aeration to soften structure and reveal aromatic complexity.

Begin by standing the bottle upright for 24 hours before decanting, allowing any sediment to settle. Use a clean, dry decanter with broad base to maximize wine surface area exposure. Light a candle beneath the bottle neck to observe wine clarity during pouring. Pour steadily without interruption until sediment approaches the neck, then stop to avoid clouding the decanted wine.

For young vintages showing firm tannins, employ double decanting: pour wine into decanter, rinse the original bottle, then return wine to clean bottle. This aggressive aeration technique rapidly softens structure while preserving fruit intensity. Allow 30-60 minutes before serving, tasting periodically to monitor evolution.

Seasonal Enjoyment Guide

While Cameron Hughes Lot 895 Red Mountain Malbec delivers year-round pleasure, certain seasons particularly complement its robust character. Understanding seasonal pairing opportunities maximizes enjoyment throughout the calendar year.

Autumn represents peak season for this wine, as cooler temperatures invite heartier cuisine perfectly matched to its full body. Pair with harvest vegetables, roasted root vegetables, and game preparations. Winter holidays benefit from the wine's warming alcohol and spice notes, making it ideal for festive gatherings and special dinners.

Spring transitions call for lighter preparations that still possess sufficient flavor intensity. Consider herb-crusted lamb or grilled vegetables with robust marinades. Summer requires slight chilling to 58-60°F and pairing with bold barbecue flavors that stand up to the wine's concentration without overwhelming warm weather appetites.

Perfect Gift Occasions

The prestigious Red Mountain pedigree and limited availability make Cameron Hughes Lot 895 Red Mountain Malbec an exceptional gift choice for discerning wine enthusiasts. The combination of quality, exclusivity, and value creates memorable impressions for various occasions.

Corporate gifts benefit from the wine's sophisticated presentation and recognizable appellation prestige. The numbered lot system adds exclusivity appeal while the reasonable price point allows for multiple bottle purchases. Holiday gifts showcase thoughtfulness through selection of limited production wines that recipients might not discover independently.

Milestone celebrations warrant special wines, and this Malbec's aging potential makes it perfect for anniversaries or achievements meant to be commemorated over time. Wedding gifts could include vertical selections across multiple vintages, creating future anniversary opening opportunities. Collector friends appreciate the négociant model's insider appeal and value proposition.

Storage Best Practices

Proper storage ensures Cameron Hughes Lot 895 Red Mountain Malbec reaches its full potential whether enjoyed immediately or cellared for future enjoyment. Understanding optimal storage conditions prevents premature aging or quality degradation.

Temperature consistency proves more critical than achieving exact degrees. Maintain storage between 55-65°F, avoiding fluctuations exceeding 5°F daily. Humidity levels between 60-70% prevent cork desiccation while avoiding label damage from excess moisture. Complete darkness prevents UV degradation of delicate flavor compounds.

Position bottles horizontally to maintain cork contact with wine, preventing oxidation through dried corks. Minimize vibration exposure that can disturb sediment and accelerate chemical reactions. Avoid storing near strong odors that might permeate corks over extended periods. Consider professional storage for valuable collections or when home conditions prove inadequate.

Where and When to Buy

Securing bottles of Cameron Hughes Lot 895 Red Mountain Malbec requires understanding the brand's limited release model. Each lot represents finite production, creating urgency for interested buyers to act quickly upon release announcements.

The Liquor Store of Jackson Hole maintains excellent relationships with premium wine suppliers, ensuring access to coveted releases like Cameron Hughes lots. Their knowledgeable staff provides guidance on current availability and can suggest comparable alternatives when specific lots sell out. Consider joining their mailing list for advance notice of new arrivals.

Purchase timing depends on intended use. Buy immediately for near-term consumption to ensure availability. For cellaring purposes, consider purchasing full cases to benefit from potential volume discounts while securing sufficient bottles for extended aging experiments. Remember that Cameron Hughes lots never repeat, making each release a unique opportunity.