There are numerous ways that wine gets bottled and ends up on your local shelf. Most people envision a system where one winery grows the 
grapes, crushes them, ages them, bottles, and sells them. Of course that’s the way a lot of wines, particularly premium ones, get to your shelf. But of course there are other ways. In Europe, France especially there are many négociant’s. A négociant purchases grapes from other growers and sells them under his or her, own label.
Cameron Hughes is a California based négociant. And while that is his base of operations, he sources lots of wine from numerous regions, the world over. Most often a well regarded winery or grower might be selling a finished product which Cameron Hughes Wine bottles or packages. Sometimes they take separate sources and blend them to come up with a unique and perhaps better wine. The goal in each case is to offer a superior product for significantly less than it would cost if it had the original producer or growers name. There are many reasons someone might be selling wine instead of bottling it themselves. In a great vintage they might simply have more juice than they’re prepared, or bonded to produce. Regardless of the reason Cameron Hughes Wine, and consumers are the beneficiaries.
Each offering from Cameron Hughes Wine is given a lot number. Over the next several weeks I’ll look at a number of different lots. Today I’ll look at one of their new release Chardonnays.
Cameron Hughes 2007 Lot 87 Chardonnay is a blend of Alexander Valley (75%) and Russian River (25%) fruit. 8,000 cases of this offering were produced and the suggested retail price is $12. This selection is an example of the folks at Cameron Hughes blending two existing lots from the same producer to form their own blend.
The nose of this Chardonnay is filled with apple and pear notes; underscored by subtle vanilla tones. The palate is soft and lush, filled with mouth-filling, yet gentle fruit. The finish of this Chardonnay lingers with more pear notes, white pepper, nutmeg, and overall tingly spice notes. This is an impeccably balanced wine with terrific acidity. It’ll drink nicely on its own, as well as pair well with a wide array of foods.
There are two things that are most obvious to me about this Chardonnay. First and foremost it’s a terrific and pure expression of Sonoma County Chardonnay. Secondly this wine is an absolute steal. The $12 price tag is a joke. This wine is easily a $30 Chardonnay. If you love excellent, fruit driven Chardonnay from Sonoma County, buy a case of this and drink it all year.
Paso Robles, in the Central Coast of California has been a favorite region of mine for a number of years now. The number of high quality, well priced, and unique wines emerging from Paso seems to increase with each passing year. Rhone varietals and Zinfandels are amongst the first things that come to mind when thinking of Paso Robles. But there are a growing number of Wineries producing Italian varietals with great success. 
Pinot Noir’s from New Zealand are well made and crafted in a style true to the essence of this legendary grape. While these offerings are coming from numerous regions, Marlborough is perhaps the most well known at this point.
Last week I looked at one of Cosentino’s Cabernet Francs. As I mentioned at the time, I have found them to be a consistent producer. There are several things that I’ve found particularly impressive about their consistency. One is that they maintain high levels of quality and make interesting wines at a diverse range of price points. Secondly they make an incredible array of different wines that manage to be distinct and varietally correct while also maintaining a house style that brands them as uniquely Cosentino. Today I’ll look at one of their current release Pinot Noirs.
Winery, numerous subsidiaries became part of the Mondavi empire. The Private Selection wines are one of those off shoots. These wines tend to have a suggested retail just above $10 and can provide a gateway for people at the beginning of their wine exploration, as well as everyday value for more seasoned wine drinkers. Today I’ll look at their current release Meritage and see what it offers.
When tasting a wine it’s important to take into account what the intent and purpose is. Some wines are crafted with the goal of scoring 90 + points in major wine publications. Others are made with the intent of producing wines reflective of their place. And then there are wines produced with the purpose of providing everyday drinking value. The 
Lewellen Vineyards
One more stop in Napa Valley for the 12 Days of Cabernet Franc. 
of Cabernet Franc. 
Switching valleys, the next stop for the 12 Days of Cabernet Franc is back in Sonoma. 
