I’ll let you know when this happens to me.
But I wouldn’t be holding my breath if I were you.
2 Likes
When I (occasionally) want a high alcohol bruiser, I will go to #41 or #57. Both are yummy!
I also gave away a bottle of #239, good riddance. The recipient regifted it! Ha, that was Tim Ballard, he is good one.
Happy Friday all! 
2 Likes
N.61, coming to the end of two cases
OG N.151 2018 Napa Valley “Reserve” Meritage
PnP, over 3.5+ years in the bottle. This 47% CS Meritage is a delight!
This was bottle 13/24, the second case is now fully ready to enjoy. Smooth and moderately lush palate. Moderately complex nose. Medium finish.
Very pleasant $15 single yum!! Probably, roughly one per month until it is gone? 
with ribeye
4 Likes
Had a friend buy a case of lot 494 RRV Zin that could be Foppiano (or I originally guessed St. Francis). He tried his first bottle and said it was excellent.
2 Likes
Friday evening:
- 2018 de Négoce Cabernet Sauvignon OG N.43 - USA, California, Napa Valley (10/4/2024)
Double decanted back into bottle just before serving with dinner of grilled Top Sirloin Steak and Italian sausage (mild). Dark crimson and opaque in glass. Nose shows cassis, dark cherry with a touch of soy now. On the palate, dark cherry, cassis, some turned earth- which i enjoy. Beautifully integrating acidity with a solid tannic grip leads into a medium plus length finish. Acidity helps pair this with food. Wife described this as "chewy". Cabernet gained some depth as the evening progressed. Should hold up another 2-3 years in my opinion.
Unbelievable bargain at $150/case. (91 points)
Posted from CellarTracker
6 Likes
Friday evening dinner prep:
- 2020 de Négoce Sauvignon Blanc OG N.237 - USA, California, Napa Valley (10/4/2024)
I'll have to say this Sauvignon Blanc is growing on me. First couple bottles seemed a bit uninteresting, last couple with bottle age showing more that Fume style character with passion fruit and lilacs with just enough acidity and body to make this wine a real pleasure to consume. This was all of just over $12 here for what was described as almost $40 SB. Now I taste that $40 character. Did enjoy the 2019 version (lot 226) just a bit more. Drink now or hold a year. (90 points)
Posted from CellarTracker
3 Likes
OG Lot 296 | 2021 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
PnP. Almost 2 years bottled, this really will benefit from additional aging. I just can’t keep my grubby paws 
off of them.
Rich developing Pinotberry flavors and nose. Plenty of OAK! This single Yum + is quickly headed towards 2 with some more time. This was an excellent bargain @ $139/case! Gotta love dN?
Apparently it’s my go-to for 
with grilled Chicken Legs
7 Likes
One of my favorite pinots from dN.
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XV Papesse - in a great spot and decidedly new world in style. Medium bodied (though full for a Grenache). Lots of life left in it but so nice now why wait (but maybe keep a couple bottles from the $299 case tucked away to see what happens)
3 Likes
n.373 Prosecco Rose. Felt a bit like the end of an era – the last bottle of dN Prosecco. Really loved all dN Proseccos, especially the roses. I had a brief moment of hope that there could be more in the pipeline…but really unlikely with the focus on Napa/Sonoma. Anyway, this botttle was fully enjoyed during the heat wave. Cheers! 
4 Likes
Had a 500 last night…threw one in the kitchen wine fridge when it arrived, I knew it’d be too young but wanted to see what I bought 12 of. I’m not sure on this one but maybe I’m not the best tasting candidate for Cabs this young.
I love Rutherford Cabernets and tend to think of them as fuller wines with dark fruit and that cocoa powder finish that I can’t get enough of. Maybe this turns in to that but I do not see it. If you do have it, I would wait at least 18 more months.
5 Likes
Mat, Thanks for the #500 review!
My unwritten rule of thumb for first try:
PN - one year in the bottle.
CS - two years in the bottle.
My other rule: Rules are made to be broken!
Thanks again & Cheers!
4 Likes
OG N.57 2018 St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon
Happy 4 years in the bottle to #57, I celebrated it! 
.
Poured into the decanter about 3.5 hours before booze-thirty, as necessary.
I really like this in spite of the high alcohol, high extraction, massive oak and highly charred barrels. This is one my favorite BIG dN CS’s.(also, #64??) That’s why I got 4 cases for the long haul, go figure? As usual did not quite finish This powerful bottle, there’s 3/4” for day 2.
Usually smooth for 16.2%. Even Sonja said, “no burn!” Then she went back to her favorite, a clean and refreshing $3.48/bottle Tisdale (Gallo) Pinot Grigio on the rocks.
Long Decant now or age a decade?? This really IS smoothing out & integrating, Finally!
It is an occasional drinker and a Triple Yum!!! Cheers!
with smokey baby back pork ribs (hickory & apple wood)
Day 2, no deterioration, even better, kinda amazing……
5 Likes
Lot 170 2019 Dry Creek “Reserve” Merlot
Almost 3.5 years in the bottle, enjoying second bottle, PnP.
Not your typical Merlot. A nice wine to be sure, big like a CS, with a bit of Zinberry in the nose. one Yum+🍷 +. Medium bodied with LOTS of tannins and big red fruit flavors. The nose? Kinda reminds me of a Zinfandel, Cabernet blend? Go figure? This tannic & slightly fruity Merlot can be enjoyed now, PnP.
For me this is ready.
with breakfast for dinner
1 Like
Inspired by Mikko, with thanks and any due apologies? 
JUDGEMENT OF ATASCADERO
the poor man’s version
Both 2018’s said to be Robert Craig.
#22 - 41% Napa Valley (hillside vineyard just below Atlas Peak AVA) 39% Atlas Peak AVA 11% Calistoga AVA 5% Pritchard Hill AVA 4% Howell Mountain
#468 - Lot 468 is primarily Cab Sauv, with a bit of Malbec and a dash of Merlot.
This is admittedly rather lame….
However, anyone can please bring over a Harlan, Screaming Eagle or MACDONALD. That would kick this up a notch or two?
Cheers!
4 Likes
I tried the XV CdPs a year ago and was super disappointed. They are really good, but so new world in style that they completely defeat the purpose of expanding the cellar away from all the CA dNs. My hope is that they’ll calm down in 4-5 years, but I have no experience waiting out french fruit bombs.
3 Likes
Love 57, don’t care about the haters. (real) Cream in coffee rules!
3 Likes
I enjoy 57 as well and I drink my coffee BLACK.
1 Like
Lot 468 | 2018 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon
PnP. Deep, dark & delicious. A moderately complex wine that is rather strong, yet balanced!
It’s a rich and nicely balanced triple yum for me. !!!
This 2018 seems ready, but it is certainly cellar worthy for those who prefer their CS’s with lotsa age.
with Ribeye
4 Likes