We obtain feedback on de Négoce at a gradual clip (and be happy to maintain them coming). Whereas we aren’t right here to play decide and jury over our readers’ uniformly dismal experiences — our authentic evaluations had been all primarily based on media samples — I made a decision to take a spin myself and buy a number of bottles from the positioning for the vacation season, so as to expertise for myself the great or unhealthy outcomes all through the method.
Fortunately, my bottles arrived safely and earlier than the initially scheduled supply date. All had been accounted for, and whereas my preliminary inquiry about an ETA went unheeded by customer support, their web site supplied updates as they turned out there. It was removed from the worst expertise I’ve endured when coping with mail-order wine. So now on to the purchases: 4 Malbecs from de Négoce. For these needing a refresher: de Négoce (“day nuh-go-shay”) is Cameron Hughes’ non-public label the place he sources and contracts wines. He then performs the futures market together with his picks, hoping their high quality grows over time. Right here’s how this choice panned out.
2018 OG de Négoce Lot 118 Chalk Hill Malbec – I loved this fairly a bit in a earlier overview, and the power to revisit this a yr later is a delight, as issues solely improved with a little bit of time and storage. Extra of the whole lot I cherished the primary time round: larger berry notes and delicate oak surrounded by heavy tannins and a well-constructed physique. Didn’t waiver within the slightest and was the very best of the quartet by an extended shot. A / $24
2018 OG de Négoce Lot 154 Walla Walla Malbec –A mix of 77% Malbec, 18% Cabernet, and 5% Syrah boasting heavy notes of violet, chocolate, and occasional on the nostril. The oak performs its half on the palate, enhancing darkish cherry, chocolate, and cinnamon notes, and there’s just a little little bit of minerality towards the again. A strong end filled with chewy tannins and spice lingers however by no means actually overpowers any of the opposite components. A really harmonious bottle, and it’s a disgrace I can’t decide which vineyard is behind this providing. I’d have zero quarrels placing down the bank card for a case. A- / $16
2018 OG de Négoce Lot 142 Horse Heaven Hills Malbec – 88% Malbec, 4% Cabernet, 4% Merlot, 3% Petite Verdot, and 1% Syrah. Very peppery with black fruit on the core, however notes of clove and baking spice come round with time. Medium acidity and polished tannins complement a really prolonged end of darkish berries and wooden cigar field. Wish to revisit this in a yr or so to see the way it develops, but in addition drinkable instantly. B+ / $16
2018 OG de Négoce Lot 18 Napa Valley Malbec – Oak and blackberry lead the cost all through, plus bittersweet chocolate and clove making a short look on the palate. Very grippy tannins and excessive acidity are current by means of an extended end that’s strong blackberry. It must simmer down some and spend extra time tucked away someplace to type itself out. B- / $25
2018 OG de Négoce Lot 118 Chalk Hill Malbec
$24
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