Cameron Hughes Lot 176 | 2008 Pinot Noir, Los Carneros

Cameron Hughes Lot 176, Los Carneros

Cameron Hughes is well known for his Cabernet’s but he is starting to gather accolades for his Pinot Noirs as well.  Lot 176 was sourced from a large wine consortium with facilities in California, Oregon and Washington State.  The fruit for Lot 176 is 100% Pinot Noir from Los Carneros.  On the technical side the alcohol weighs in at 14.5% and production was 2,750 cases.   Cameron has quite a bit of information on his website about the harvest process and cooperage…

“…moon harvested, hand sorted, gentle destemming, 8 days cold soaking… aged for 8 months in 40% new French Oak”

Lot 176 in the glass

On the nose: cinnamon and spices, with a hint of heat.  This is not the unpleasant type of heat the comes from a poorly made high alcohol wine.  Rather it adds a level of vibrancy and vigor to the nose.  The palate is rich with Cherry and Strawberry with a nice strong backbone of acidity which helps balance the ripeness on the finish.  Another fantastic deal for only $16