Review: 2021 OG de Negoce Holiday Party Picks
Last month we took some time to review some of the offerings from Cameron Hughes’ OG de Négoce (pronounced “day nuh-go-shay”) fall portfolio. The framework of this extension of the Hughes brand takes a chance on the wine futures market, curating selections from various vineyards at lower prices than those found on actual vineyard labels. For this edition, we take a deeper dive into their 2021 Holiday Party Pack: a tour de force spanning 12 bottles and 5 expressions, generously showcasing the versatility of the west coast.
2018 OG de Négoce N.118 Chalk Hill Malbec – 100% Malbec, with 80% aged in new French oak. There are only a handful of producers in the Chalk Hill region, and fewer making Malbec, so it wasn’t a stretch to sort out from where this could possibly originate (I’ve narrowed it down but do not wish to answer incorrectly). Malbec fans will find plenty to love and few faults, as the classic profile of dark berry, oak influence, and heavy tannins keep things well-structured and consistent all the way through to the incredibly long and savory finish. A- / $24
2019 OG de Négoce N.233 Napa Valley Chardonnay – 100% barrel aged with 35% in new French and American oak. Tropical fruit-forward with notes of lemon curd, mango, and pineapple, but it settles down to a palate and finish of interesting complexity: campfire cinnamon apple, baking spices, and a touch of minerality towards the back of the lengthy finish. A unique take on the customary Napa Valley profile. B+ / $18
2019 OG de Négoce N.148 Sierra Foothills Cabernet/Syrah – 60% Cabernet, 40% Syrah. A very cohesive union starts with aromas of dark chocolate, cherry, and cinnamon on the nose. A very balanced but rich blend of blackberries and violet on the palate with light minerality and tannins that keep things together nicely. B+ / $15
2018 OG de Négoce N.239 Central Coast Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre – 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre. 70% new French oak. Dark fruit and allspice lead the charge on the nose, with a palate of ripe strawberry and baking spice unfolding slowly. Earthier notes and leather linger about towards the finish. This was originally for sale at $8 and disappeared from the online store at full speed. It’s easy to understand why. B+ / $8
2018 OG de Négoce N.17 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – The highest rated offering previously reviewed in the Fall 2021 collection. It was a lovely bottle and I was pleased to find it included in this package, hoping that my initial evaluation was consistent this second time around. Pleased to report that it once again provides a well-balanced experience full of dark cherries, cigar box, and blackberry. A / $25
At $199, the package provides a generous amount of quality wine at reasonable price points that would be well suited for classing up the holiday office party without busting the expense accounts, gifts for clients, or for large family gatherings during this holiday season. 2 bottles of the Napa Valley Chardonnay, 2 bottles of the Chalk Hill Malbec, 2 bottles of the Sierra Foothills Cabernet/Syrah, 3 bottles of the Central Coast GSM, and 3 bottles of the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, and alone de Négoce estimates this at about $600 worth of wine. Not a bad discount for some quality stuff.
Free shipping if you use the code SHIP12 when checking out.
