Cameron Woodbridge’s philosophy for winemaking is “No compromise.”
“I wanted to make a kick-ass Cab,” he explained, when asked why he started a winery of his own. If Antonio Galloni’s description of his 2008 Stormy Weather Cabernet Sauvignon is any indication, he has met that goal. In October 2012, Antonio Galloni proclaimed vis a vis Robert Parker Wine Advocate that the wine “explodes from the glass with a rush of dark fruit, chocolate, mocha, and sweet spices. Unapologetically ripe, full-bodied, and opulent, the 2008 boasts stunning depth and plenty of intrigue. ”
As an indication of his commitment to uncompromising quality, Cameron insists that he would never release a wine that did not have Stormy Weather quality, and he’s skipped a vintage before when that was the case.
“Stormy Weather” has a lot of meanings for Cameron. Yes, the first spark of an idea for the name did come from his life-long love of listening to Billie Holliday singing the song of the same name. Cameron explained that it also describes his life, his relationship with his brother, the twists of fate in winemaking, and life itself. Cameron’s brother Jayson is the founder of the prestigious Hundred Acre winery, where Cameron got his feet wet in the wine world. Some brotherly competition is to be expected.
The brand offers three wines: Wandering Star Cabernet Franc, produced in small quantities (100-200 cases) and not every year; Stormy Weather Cabernet Sauvignon, aged a minimum of 30 months in 100 percent new French oak with a mixture of toasts and forests; and Northern Gale Cabernet Sauvignon, a 100 percent Cabernet Sauvignon typically aged in 30 percent French oak barrels for a fruit-centered style at an attainable price point.
Cameron’s “no compromise” philosophy appears to have paid off– each wine has received outstanding reviews from the critics.
2015 STORMY WEATHER CABERNET SAUVIGNON
97 Points
“Even better than the 2014, the brilliant 2015 Stormy Weather offers slightly more oomph and exotic qualities as well as fabulous notes of jammy blackberry, blueberries, white flowers, and espresso roast. Flamboyant, sweetly fruited, sexy, yet perfectly balanced, it’s a sensational 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon that does everything right. Hats off to winemaker Cameron Woodbridge for this brilliant wine.”
Jeb Dunnuck
January 2019
2015 WANDERING STAR CABERNET FRANC
94 Points
“Not far off the quality of the Cabernet Sauvignon, the 100% Cabernet Franc 2015 Wandering Star reveals a ruby/purple color as well as a complex array of earthy dark fruits, damp earth, spring flowers, and hints of vanilla. It’s a gorgeously layered, seamless Cabernet Franc that has moderate tannins, terrific balance, and a great finish. It will deliver the goods over the coming 10-15 years.”
Jeb Dunnuck
January 2019
2015 NORTHERN GALE CABERNET SAUVIGNON
95 Points
“Composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 30 months in 30% new French oak plus an additional five months in bottle, the medium to deep garnet-purple colored 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Northern Gale gives up notes of crushed black- currants, blackberries, and black cherries with touches dark choco- late, licorice, and earth.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Robert Parker Wine Advocate,
October 2018
STORMY WEATHER WINE
Article By: Layne Randolph
