2018 Cameron Hughes 'Lot 2022' Cabernet Sauvignon

Some things are classics for a reason. Lot 2022 is a California Cabernet built on the fundamentals — executed flawlessly. It pours a deep, saturated ruby-black and opens with a confident, fruit-driven nose of ripe blackberry and dark cherry, framed by toasty oak and a seductive whisper of vanilla that gives the whole bouquet a smooth, polished warmth. On the palate it delivers everything you want from a California Cab: full body, ripe fruit, well-integrated oak, and a long, satisfying finish with tannins that are firm but never harsh. This is a crowd-pleaser with a backbone.

California Cabernet Sauvignon continues to set the global standard for the variety, and Lot 2022 is a textbook example of why. It's the kind of bottle that works in every scenario — sophisticated enough for a dinner party, approachable enough for a casual weeknight, and priced in a way that makes stocking up feel entirely justified. Pair it with a classic steakhouse spread, slow-roasted prime rib, or a sharp aged cheddar. Keep it on the shelf and reach for it often. You will not regret it.