In what has slowly morphed into a semi-annual tradition on the site, please allow a bit of indulgence as we provide a refresher/orientation on the process fueling de Negoce’s complete existence:
- It is pronounced “day nuh-go-shay”
- The company sources and contracts wines and plays the futures market with its selections
- They offer reasonably priced wines that would normally cost two to three times as much on the winery’s own label
Over the last four years, de Negoce’s track record has remained consistent and at times, impressive. I still daydream about a particular Rutherford Cabernet they had on offer at a fraction of the usual going market prices. Here now are a few recent offerings currently on sale, as of this writing.
2022 OG de Négoce Lot 494 Russian River Valley Zinfandel – This Zinfandel is bold, emanating raspberry and blackberry cobbler notes, with a faint trace of cinnamon stick as it evolves. The red and dark fruit carry on across the palate with tobacco leaf and a touch of oak offering good complexity. The finish is light but lingering, with herbs and vanilla cutting to the forefront while the fruit diminishes. There is so much going on here, but don’t let that dissuade you: It’s also incredibly approachable and an excellent value. A- / $19
2022 OG de Négoce Lot 480 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel – Equally as complex as its Russian River Valley counterpart but heavier on the red fruit, showcasing strawberry preserves, raspberry, and tart cherry candy with time in the glass. However, the joy of this wine can be found on the palate, where the red fruit is heightened by the arrival of leather and gravel notes, all framed very well by lively acidity and velvet tannins. A- / $23
2023 OG de Négoce Lot 488 Arroyo Seco Chardonnay – This Chardonnay is sharp up front with minerality and green apple taking the lead before lemon zest and bread notes come into focus. Letting this settle and swirl for a bit isn’t the worst idea, as the minerality fades and vanilla and white flower notes complement the green apple rather nicely. It eventually finds its balance, but that time in the glass is strongly advised before proceeding. B+ / $18
2023 OG de Négoce Lot 518 Napa Valley Malbec – At this price point, I really wanted to love a Napa Valley Malbec more than what was poured into the glass. It delivers a traditional Mendoza/Argentinean Malbec flavor profile, but the notes of blackberry, violet and blueberry compote overpower the faint traces of spice and soil doing their very best to cut through and provide some relief. Much like the original cast of SNL, this player is not ready for prime time. Giving this bottle a year or two tucked away somewhere to sort itself out is well worth the investment, and it will likely deliver something much better than what is on display today. B / $22
2022 OG de Négoce Lot 494 Russian River Valley Zinfandel
$19
