🏷️ Lot Overview
- Region: Alexander Valley
- Vintage: 2023
- Blend: 83% Cab, 7% PV, 5% Malbec, 5% Merlot
- Chat GPT Original Source Guess: Hawkes, possibly Medlock Ames
- Wine Berserkers Guess: Eco Tereno Lyon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
- Alcohol: 14.0%
- Oak Aging: 50% New French Oak
- Cam Price: $8.25 ($99/case)
- Retail Estimate: $75–$100
- Drink Window: 2024–2032
🍷 Cameron’s Release Notes
“Lot 1 is a wine that takes the concept of ‘insane value’ to the next level…”
“BACK UP THE TRUCK!”
Email
Are you ready??? LFG!!!!
Our first Lot comes to you courtesy of the online retailer WineVIP, who I’ve been wholesaling wine to for over two decades. These folks are logistics maestro’s, sourcing, importing, selling and fulfilling wine from around the globe so, trust me, you are in good hands here.
Even better news, WineVIP offers you the convenience of ordering online and having the wine shipped to you, executing weather holds, picking ship dates, etc. Everything you need for seamless delivery (including summer holds!).
So, here’s the scoop… Lot 1 is a wine that takes the concept of “insane value” to the next level. I am prohibited by the state of CA from showing you a wine retailer’s pricing but I can tell you this, it’s time to BACK-UP-THE-TRUCK!
Tasting Notes
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. The vineyard was originally planted in the 70’s and a portion of this wine is sourced from the ~50-year old vines ( vines, I might add, which are responsible for putting Alexander Valley on the map in the 1990’s, albeit under labels other than the producer’s). 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.
Featuring ripe yet perfectly attenuated blueberry and black raspberry fruit, dark chocolate, seasoned oak notes, and pretty purple florals. As the wine opens, more red-inflected fruit raspberry frambois and bright red cherry and currant notes complex the bouquet turning the florals sweet and spicy (like a little cinnamon red hot or pink peppercorn). Lithe and sinewy on entry with fleshy, juicy blue fruit, baker’s chocolate and fresh tobacco notes ride mineral-laced tannins in a long, blue-fruited finish. Weighing in at exactly 14% alcohol, this Cabernet features great structure, exceptional balance, and tremendous complexity. The 50% new French oak is harmoniously integrated as well. It will be drinking great this Fall while also aging beautifully over the next decade or longer.
It’s back up the truck time folks!
📦 Bottle Shock Status
âś… Best after October 2025
🧠ChatGPT says:
🔍 Source Guess: Hawkes Vineyards (most likely); possibly Medlock Ames
🧾 Rationale:
- Alexander Valley Roots: The email and tasting notes emphasize Alexander Valley origin, particularly old vines planted in the 1970s — a hallmark of Hawkes Vineyards, who own some of the region’s most historic Cabernet blocks and produce highly structured wines from estate sites.
- Old Vine Credibility: Hawkes’ Stone Vineyard was planted in the early 1970s and fits the description of “responsible for putting Alexander Valley on the map” under other labels.
- Farming Practices: Hawkes and Medlock Ames are both known for organic and regenerative farming, aligning with Cameron’s comments about vineyard stewardship and sustainability.
- Price Tier Match: Hawkes’ single-vineyard Cabernets typically retail in the $75–$100 range, aligning with the stated source tiers for Lot 1.
- Alcohol and Oak Balance: The final wine comes in at 14.0% ABV and ~50% new French oak — a style signature consistent with both Hawkes and Medlock Ames, known for elegance over bombast.
- Oakville Component Clue: The addition of Petite Verdot, Malbec, and Merlot from Oakville luxury programs adds a layer of richness — suggesting Lot 1 is a blend rooted in Alexander Valley but enhanced with high-end juice, possibly sourced through past CHW relationships with producers like Nickel & Nickel or Hoopes.
🤔 Alternative Consideration:
Medlock Ames — A leading Alexander Valley producer known for organic farming, mature vines, and elegant Cabernet expressions. Their vineyard holdings also align with the geographical and stylistic clues.
⏳ Drink Window
Early Enjoyment:
From late 2025, once bottle shock settles, this Cab will already show ripe blue fruit, florals, and balanced oak.
Peak Drinking:
2026–2030, when structure, fruit, and oak harmonize. Expect chocolate, tobacco, and bright red/blue fruit integration.
Hold Potential:
Up to 2032 with proper storage. Beyond that, tertiary notes (earth, graphite, dried cherry) will dominate as freshness fades.
My Call:
⏳ Drink window (post-bottle shock): 2025–2032 (peak 2026–2030)
🧑‍🤝‍🧑🍷 Wine Berserker Community Guess + Notes: Eco Tereno Lyon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon