Long trail indeed. I still have some Cam era Cameron Hughes in my cellar.
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- 2024 de Négoce Chardonnay Lot N° 560 - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands (2/3/2026)
Notes after two nights open. Light yellow-gold with a bright reflection and no sediment. Medium intensity aroma of lemons, apples, and honeysuckle. Medium+ body along with above average acidity seems to be throttling back the flavors a little on the palate. As if it’s still waiting to open up after 48 hours. I think this has a ways to go (>year?) to really shine. 4+11+16+8= 89 (89 points)
BTW, these new dN labels are fugly 
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Enjoying at this time Lot 227 Russian River 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. This was an up and down selection over the past couple of years, but seemingly has finally turned the corner. Really enjoyable after being bottled for over four years (July 12, 2021). Happy to have eight bottles remaining. 91 pts / A
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I drank a bottle of lot 494 2022 RRV Zinfandel that was gifted to me two nights ago that was wonderful. The palate was a little flat, but improved with air. The nose was fantastic, very succulent and inviting. Hard to complain with that level of quality for the $13 or so the person that gave me the bottle paid. I have not had too many wines that the new management has sold, but this was a winner.
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Really appreciate this note. Looks like I have 11 of 12 left so I probably opened 1 a few years ago and decided to let the rest sleep. Sounds like I should keep them tucked away for until their 10th bday.
Steve,
Sold some OG N.40 to my friends- via my late friend Chris’ Estate. One tried it last Saturday evening with prime grade Rib Eye steak. End of the evening sent me a picture of the empty bottle saying “Beautiful Napa Cabernet”!
My inventory left well over a case - lucky me, head over I’ll share a bottle with you.
Cheers, Tim
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I indeed chose a very tasty reward for:
My Monthly Cerro Alto summit, consecutive month #101, yep, 122 times 
Lot 250 2019 Rutherford Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon
4.5+ years bottled, #6/7, PnP.
Deeply structured and balanced between all the elements, tannins, fruit, wood and extreme triple yumminess. Deeply complex with great leather, dark fruits & oak. Seems fully developed, so enjoy now, PnP.
The complexity and associated Curly Q’s are phenomenal! I just wish all CS was this endearing…….
with Tritip & Artichoke
I know that this is not a trail blog. I just hope these pics are better eye candy than my empty booze bottle?
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Love to see your trail pics, keep them coming!
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Thursday evening shared this lovely Cabernet with friends. Beautiful presentation still:
- 2018 de Négoce Cabernet Sauvignon OG N.20 Reserve - USA, California, Napa Valley (2/5/2026)
Notes consistent with October and April 2025 tasting, aromatics and nose shined deliver again.
Double decanted 30 mins prior to serving with some good friends.
Nose: Spicy dark berries and cassis mixed with earth & florals.
Color: Opaque and dark in glass. Stains sides of glass. Dark color of 337 Clone evident.
Palate: Cassis, blackberry, a bit of mocha provide plush entry with solid tannic finish lasting over 30 seconds. Incredible Napa Cabernet experience yet again from the original curator of de Negoce Cameron Hughes. Should drink well for another 2-3 years. Friends were impressed with this Cabernet, noting balance and long finish. (92 points)
Posted from CellarTracker
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Friday evening dinner wine:
- 2018 de Négoce Cabernet Sauvignon OG N.27 - USA, California, Napa Valley (2/6/2026)
Double decanted just prior to dinner with marinated Prime grade flank steak. Using a Riedel Sommelier Series 4400/0 stem
Nose: Black cherry, touch of baking spice, not as aromatic as OG N.20 prior evening.
Color: Dark Garnet not opaque in stem.
Palate: Dark chocolate, cherry, on a medium finish with "stinging" tannins. Overall, this Cabernet did not show nearly as good as OG N.20 prior evening. Finish was shorter, tannins a bit harsher. I would advise drinking this wine. Last bottle was similar about 4 months ago. (90 points)
Posted from CellarTracker
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Is that Morrow Rock? Love Cayucos.
Yep, Morro Rock in Morro Bay, CA! Just a couple of miles south of beautiful Cayucos Beach.
Morro Bay is close (16 miles from home) enough to us to have a fish & chips lunch on the Bay.
Morro Bay is different enough for us to go there on staycations. Like very soon! 
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OG dN Lot 175 2019 Red Mountain/Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon
Over 4.5 years bottled, 13/24, PnP.
Dark color, deep black fruits, very nice now.
I have gone from thinking this has just a decent wine, now, I’m impressed that this has come around so much.
79% CS, 73% Red Mountain, 60% NFO. Pretty darn nice Cab for $120/case. Will continue to age well.
with Beef Ribs
Bottled in Walla Walla, WA
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I have been trying to burn through remaining single bottle lots that I have. Tonight last bottle of OG21 atlas peak cab sav (most likely robert craig). Damn this was good! PnP with filet mignon and mashed potatoes. Medium plus acidity, opaque and glass staining concentration. 14.5% but the acid carries it, fresh
blk fruit, vibrant. Some bitter dark chocolate on the finish (I like 70% dark chocolate to this is a plus) along with dry slightly tannic finish. Better fit with food. 92pts. Good by my old friend…
Even the pup wanted some!
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Steve,
Give your “Pup” a puppy treat or two for me. 
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The setting for two weekends in a row has been ice 'n snow in our Deep South surroundings. And today there are still sheets of white lining paths and driveways, but the difference was 71º, a wonderful fire built in the garden (wood compliments of 2024 Hurricane Helene) and two stunning glasses of Lot 42 St. Helena 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon. I’m not going to say ‘Spring-has-Sprung’, but I’ll quote a contributor to this blog in describing the pour with three Yums.
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