Does anyone know the difference between these two wines? Both Progeny and O’Shaughnessy are owned by the same couple, have the same winemaker (Sean Capiaux), and appear to source from the same vineyards in Mt Veeder (the websites for the two wineries list Betty’s Vineyard and Wools Ranch in Mt Veeder as sources of their wines). Just curious if anyone has tried both and can compare if there are stylistic or other differences.
I’m a big fan of O’Shaughnessy wines so curious how Progeny compares.
O’shaughnessy is more stubborn/bigger in my opinion. I think with the grapes at Progeny the location isnt as mountain wine characteristic. Its an interesting style but has more vanilla red fruit. I like both wines. I prefer the Progeny as far as liesure enjoyment but may depend on your mood or style preference.
Oh Shag Hennessy?
I’m not 100 but I do not believe oshaughessy sources from progeny. Progeny is known for long barreling their wines before release. I believe their reserve sits in barrel for 3 years and 1 year in bottle. Oshaughessy is truly one of the best QPR in the valley.
Interesting! Im pretty sure O’Shaugnessy has been producing wine for quite a bit longer than Progney, so do you know when they started sourcing wine from them? I assume they source grapes from the same vineyards…but would be susprised if they actually sourced wine from Progney.
I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy both wines and visit each as well. Similar wines, but different enough. Some other general observations….
Progeny vineyards are different/separate from O’S vineyards, O’S sits at a higher altitude on Veeder.
Progeny releases later than O’S and at a higher price point. Progeny’s last release was its ‘19 cabs in 2024 IIRC.
Progeny wines are often found at prices lower than release at auction. The opposite seems to be true for O’S. Late last year, I was able backfill ‘12/‘13/‘16s at a 50% discount to current pricing. Have not seen the same for O’S.
For my palate, while the wines are similar, there is enough difference to consider adding both to your cellar. Progeny seems to have more herbal and forest floor components and less high pitched fruit, while O’S seems to have more tannic structure, earthy mountain pine notes along with higher pitched fruit component. For reference I did a head to head of the ‘13s and it ended up in a tie after all was said and done. YMMV.
I’m a fan of O’Shaughnessy, both the Mt. Veeder and the Howell Mtn. I just picked up a bottle of the 2014 Progeny Special Selection Reserve (how many ways can you say something’s exceptional?), which will be my first Progeny. I’m eager to compare them. I’m curious about the extended barrel aging and how that is reflected in the wine. I know O’Shaughnessy has made a few vintages of extended barrel aged Howell Mtn. cab, but I’ve not had one.
To be fair, I wasn’t aware of the extended barrel time…Progeny does not come across over oaked at all. I’ve had both early in their lives, when young, they are both tannic beasts that lock down fruit for 5-7 yrs. I’m still decanting 12/13s two hours.