Cameron Hughes: Négociant Wines from California

Cameron Hughes is a wine négociant who started his eponymous enterprise in 2001, buying excess wine from well-known California wineries, bottling it and selling it at Costco and other discount locations. Producers sell these wines in bulk for a variety of reasons, so it’s the tasting skills of the negociant that are of utmost importance. We’ve tasted many Cameron Hughes wines over the years, and we’re impressed with their quality and exceptional value. In this article, we review wines from several regions of California.  They are consistently very good wines sold at amazingly low prices.  The wines are much better than what one would get from the “big brands” sold at similar prices in the supermarket. The wines can be purchased online.

The Wines

Cameron Hughes 2021 Chardonnay Lot 880 Arroyo Seco, Monterey County ($16) 91 This is traditional California Chardonnay sourced from the cool, Arroyo Seco growing region in southern Monterey County. Medium yellow gold in color, the bouquet is expressive, revealing smoky oak with hints of vanilla and stone fruit. The palate is balanced with bright acidity balancing the sweetness of the fruit and oak. A great sipper that would also work well with chicken and white pork dishes. Serve well chilled. 13.9% alc. 13.9% alc

Cameron Hughes 2022 Chenin Blanc Lot 918 Clarksburg ($11) 90 Not all that much Chenin Blanc is grown in California, and this wine makes one wonder, “why not?” it combines fresh fruit with zingy acidity and a hint of residual sugar. The aromas and flavors suggest honeydew melon, white peach, and a hint of apple pie. Since it has both acidity and a hint of sweetness, pair with spicy Asian cuisine. Sourced from a single vineyard with just 11% alc. Delicious and great value!

Cameron Hughes 2018 Pinot Noir Lot 947 Russian River Valley ($19) 92 Medium dark red. Spicy nose of ripe dark cherry and a hint of balsamic. The palate reveals ripe dark fruit and an almost creamy texture. Very flavorful with a long finish. Shows typical upper Russian River Valley Pinot Noir fruit. An exceptional value! 14.5% alc.

Cameron Hughes 2021 Rhone Blend Lot 925 California ($13) 90 Dark carmine red. This attractive, easy drinking GSM reveals a fragrant nose of plum and red and black berries. It has a red fruited, medium weight palate with good upfront, juicy fruit. Finishes dry with good persistence. 14.5% alc.

Cameron Hughes 2021 Barbera Lot 888 High Valley Lake County ($15) 90 Semi-opaque dark ruby. Showing a bouquet of blackberry, black cherry, and a hint of loam, this is a ripe, dark-fruited Barbera with good acidity and fine tannins. Best served as an accompaniment to substantial fare ranging from pizza and pasta to roasts of pork and venison. Excellent quality for the price. 14.5% alc.

Cameron Hughes 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Lot 950 Napa Valley ($35) 91  Dark red with a spice and dark plum perfumed bouquet. Dark fruit shows on a layered, nicely concentrated palate along with well integrated oak. Finishes firm with round tannins. 14.5% alc.