330 is “no bueno”
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I don’t understand 330. It is really not good but was supposed to be the sibling of 328 which is fantastic. 330 is the worst de Négoce I’ve had-
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Thursday night friend brings:
# Lot 251 2017 Sonoma Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
Popped and poured. Found a 2007 Clos des Papes CdP in the cellar - ready for the Pacers Game! Friend is Indiana native so we sat down with these two lovely wines.
Lot 251, very first thing I noticed was a softness (malo) vs that burly CdP. Poured dark in glass, with no browning at rim. As notes state “Old school Cabernet” as ripeness is low. Sneaky good tannins really build towards end of the bottle. This wine gained strength 1st to 3rd pour vs the older CdP it faded a bit on last glass. At the end of the night, this wine held up well vs that awesome CdP which I purchased as futures for $70. $25 for this Lot 251? Deal. 92 points for Lot 251.
Happy Friday.
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My notes on Lot 251 say it wasn’t good on the 2nd day…but you didn’t have that problem.
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Had a 309 Maipo Cab last night, no decant, just a venturi - it was very good. I didn’t enjoy the first bottle I opened in fall of '22, a few months after shipment - too much pyrazine for my taste so I put it away. Much more balanced now, nice acidity, soft tannins. Excellent value at $15.
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OG dN Lot 193 2019 Red Hills Cabernet Sauvignon
One hour in the decanter:
now, very age worthy, too!!
with Kalbi marinated Flanken Ribs
#64 on deck for tonight 
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Friday Evening:
# OG N.11 2017 Napa Valley Cabernet
With grilled Ribeye Steak and steamed veggies. Decanted 30 minites prior to serving
“This all-star Napa Valley Cabernet-based Meritage is sourced from legendary Rutherford and Howell Mountain vineyards with Calistoga playing a supporting role”
Someone sold this to de Negoce as a “Meritage” which has specific labeling for it’s use, later this changed to “Cabernet” with some addition by producer. Maybe the Producer wanted thier identity to be hidden, therefore supplied more Cabernet?. The denegociants website says possibly Peju Meritage which fits the Meritage original offer.
Dark and mysterious this wine is, lovely/sexy French oak aromas fill the glass bowl. Dark fruits of Sauvignon and Franc compete together to bring a beauty to the palate. This wine is just hitting it’s stride. Fine grained silky tannins complete the LONG finish on this wine. 15% alcohol hidden by all the glamour from the bottle. 93+ points.
Cheers, Tim
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Big +1. I’ve tried about ~100 different dN wines and 330 is definitely the worst of them. I think it’s the only dN wine I’ve labeled as undrinkable in my spreadsheet…
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OG N.48 2018 Russian River Pinot Noir
Decanted 30 mins prior to dinner. Beautiful pinot fruit emanated from that decanter as a preview.
Balanced and expressive, leaping from glass with spiciness , tea, black cherry, raspberry. Touch of earth on the nose says Russian River pinot. Every bit as good as examples I’ve had in the past from Hobbs, Lynmar, Dutton, KB RRV PNs. The beautiful part was only paying $156 a case for this pleasure. Number 1 of 12. My wife wants me to keep spoiling her with these de Negoce wines.
Cheers, Tim
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Any pinot drinkers snag this one? Or thoughts on it. I am tempted if a bottle shop discount or not.
# Lot 434 | 2022 Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir 750ml
Regular price$30.00
$125+/bottle under the original label
Lot 434 comes to us from a single-block designate program from one of, if not the, premier Sta. Rita Hills single vineyard sites for Pinot Noir with mid-to-high 90s scores under the original label, year over year. Our source was incredibly particular, requiring us to declassify the labels down to “Santa Barbara County” allowing us to pass an incredible savings on to you!
Curious to hear about this too. I searched all my emails for Lot 434 and I don’t see any. Also couldn’t find on CT. Or my searching skills are horrible tonight!
Dave,
There is a verified reviewer that claims the Lot 434 as a great weeknight drinker…and it’s a Syrah. 
Curious with the ‘crossover’ between Dn purchasers not buying much Dn right now and instead stocking up on Underground stuff?
Cheers
Agreed, especially as I “owned” 328 instead for a couple weeks. I purchased 328 on the announcement. 330 was released soon afterwards and Cam (RIP) touted it as possibly even better than 328 in his write up. I had a lot of 2018’s and 2019’s already. I called Mickey (RIP too) and ask him to switch them (1st and last such request). He was reluctant as he said he hasn’t bought a lot of wine at dN but he did buy 328. I chose to defer to Cam and get 330 for the same price.
I opened a bottle for my wife friends 2 months ago and was told most people liked it. I opened a bottle with my wife a month ago and it’s not good. It’s not crisp or fruity or minerally and it’s not overly buttery either. I’m going to need a good sangria recipe for my 10 remaining bottles.
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Bill and Vitor,
Lot 330 and 329, found both to be over oaked hot messes. Marc Bonfante opened a 329 recently and liked it. I own 11 more 329 so hope it comes around. Did get 328 and loved it. 11 more left from case.
Cheers, Tim
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Tim,
“You Know” that I DO like hot, overoaked messes!!
For instance #’s 28, 41, 57, etc., I also like #329, it’s very yummy
Go figure….Cheers!
Maybe, it’s time for us to trade again?
My elegant dN’s, for your hot, overoaked, inelegant messes? 
Until then, Best Wishes!
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I found it rather uninspiring as well. Definitely at the bottom of my dN experiences.
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2019 de Négoce Cabernet Sauvignon OG N.300 - USA, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain (5/6/2024)
Notes after 6 hours open, at which point it still seemed to be on the incline. A few notes here mention balance, and I agree, this has very cohesive seams between the elements. The 14.9%abv stands in stark contrast to 15.5% found in the OG Lot399 that I had last night. Makes this more intellectual than sexy. 5+11+17+9= 92 (92 pts.)
Posted from CellarTracker
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I’m a former Underground cellar (UC) member who has been buying from their liquidation sale for months. I’ve gotten great deals on Trecini SB and Portalupi barbera and PS. I haven’t been buying much dN recently mainly due to lack of space and QPR that’s not very good. (I go for 80% minimum discount from the tasting room price). All the negative comments since Cam left have probably affected my buying too, as well as the dog lots you guys have been discussing - like lot 330. My view now seems to be that I can get known wines from other sources at about the same discount as dN, so why buy a dN mystery wine unless you know the source and its not available discounted elsewhere.
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@Timothy_B_a_l_l_a_r_d - If 329 doesn’t come around for you, please let me know and I’ll buy them plus cover the shipping. Lot 330 isn’t even worthy for cooking; something must’ve happened in the bottling process because it really is a dud in my humble opinion.
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