Cameron Hughes - Guess the source winery

WINE TALK
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I’ve been a fan of Cameron Hughes wines for a while. I sometimes play a game where I try to guess the source of his wines based on the descriptions Cam provides. I know there have been some prior threads on uncovering the sources of some specific (the private reserve series and the lot 669, which turned out to be Sandhi). I thought it might be fun to start a thread for others who have guesses about the source of any of Cam’s wines.

Here is one as a start. I tried the Lot 706 2018 Napa Chardonnay recently. Here is Cam’s description from his website:

“Lot 706 comes to us from one of the most legendary names in the history of Napa Valley Chardonnay – rabid enthusiasts and casual fans alike are all familiar with the contributions and legacy of the man behind the source winery’s label. Entirely produced from estate fruit grown in certified organic vineyards, this wine is literally what many would consider the benchmark expression of Chardonnay in Napa Valley – a classically styled, barrel fermented, gorgeous wine that delivers all the texture and elegance you’d expect from a hall of fame producer.”

Cam also shared in his video that the wine is sold at around $40 under the winery’s label.

So we have an estate grown Napa Chardonnay that’s been barrel fermented made from a “legendary” name in Napa chard with a male founder that even “casual fans” are familiar with selling for around $40 from the winery.

My best guess based on this was Cakebread chard. If you check the alcohol Cakebread is listed as 13.7% and the Lot 706 at 13.5%. That’s pretty close and well within the wiggle room wineries have for alcohol listed on their labels.

I’ve never had Cakebread chard but from the tasting notes on their website listing apple, peach, pear, notes of oak, fresh acidity, I’d say that could all apply to the Lot 706 (although I would add a distinct lemon note). I also imagine they make tons of the stuff and in an abundant year like 2018 may have tried to offload some extra.

So what do you all think? Any other ideas what this could be? Does anyone else have guesses about the source of other Cameron Hughes wines?

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I haven’t tried the Lot 706, but based on the description you quote, I’d guess Grgich Hills as the source.

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[winner.gif]

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rabid enthusiasts

Cakebread no. I don’t know any enthusiasts that are going to buy Cakebread. I will drink it but would never pay the prices they charge. Anderson’s Conn Valley crushes them in all areas.

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I haven’t tried the Lot 706, but based on the description you quote, I’d guess Grgich Hills as the source.

Makes more sense and how much is Lot 706?

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Lot 706 is $ 16 a bottle.

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Lot 706 is $ 16 a bottle.

I would rather drink 2014 Davenport Cellars Mr. B. While I have had some decant Cameron Hughes wines in the past none are even close to this wine and it is cheaper at $11.00.

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John,
Davenport should have hired you from the start, they never would have gone out of business. I’m almost tempted to buy some [cheers.gif]

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He never bought a bottle at $22 so that is telling. The repeated posts about a deal from a family that went out of business are offensive IMO.

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He never bought a bottle at $22 so that is telling. The repeated posts about a deal from a family that went out of business are offensive IMO.

So Jeff and Shelia have thanked me repeatedly for helping them move the rest of their inventory. Do a little research they are not going out of business they are retiring from the business.

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The Lot 669, which the cork revealed as Sandhi, was absolutely fantastic. Very Burgundian, and very, very good— I’d be back for a case if it wasn’t sold out. The Lot 706, however, comes across as a well made, but inexpensive unoaked Chard with tropical notes. I’m fine with the $16 I paid for it, but that’s about it. Grgich? I doubt it.

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I agree. Had 6, still have 3. I do understand why Raj deemed it unworthy of his label as there is a huge amount of petroleum jelly smell and taste going on. Still a fun bottle but the first was the best as that quality came on soon after reorder, or bottle variation.

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For a while, I was using the map feature to try and discern.

I’m not a white wine fan, but the Lot 677 Pinot is among the best wine deals ever.

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Lot 735, 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon from Santa Barbara County. $13.60 plus free shipping on a case.

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Did anyone figure out a best guess for lot 706 Chardonnay?

Cam drops some hints - “ Lot 706 comes to us from one of the most legendary names in the history of Napa Valley Chardonnay – rabid enthusiasts and casual fans alike are all familiar with the contributions and legacy of the man behind the source winery’s label.”

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I’m still fully convinced he drops those “hints” as a way to keep people off his trail.

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LOT 555 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon. By all reports with is one of the best CH wines and drinking nicely at this time. At the time of its release, Cameron said this wine was sourced from a fantastic estate in Rutherford “deeply rooted in classical traditions and family winemaking heritage. It is vineyards are certainly amongst snappers finest, and definitely in the discussion for the top ten.”
Our local wine tasting group is going to do blind tasting of Cabernet Sauvignons later this month. Fortunately I have sufficient bottles of this 555 to share. Does anyone have an idea of the source of this Rutherford CS? All opinions are welcome! Thank you.