oak vs. steel tasting

VS



OK, so this time we did another process oriented one - oak vs steel - it wasn't quite as "one-to-one" as we anticipated, but thanks to the folks at crossroads for the suggestions.

A few helpful links:

Oak and Oak Barrels - Why do winemakers get so excited? from thrifty fifty

Description of the types of oak barrels

Rethinking American vs. French oak - oak barrels used in aging of wine

White fermentations: to barrel or not? from the zinquisition

Wineries replace oak barrels with stainless-steel

Can oak alternatives replicate the function of barrels?

Huge crush a windfall for tank, barrel makers - Manufacturers of storage, fermentation containers struggle to meet demand

2006 Barrel and Oak Report from wine business

on to the wines!!



Chateau de la Presle Touraine, 2004, $13.00
-> MY NOTES: 1/2 oak 1/2 steel - oak is somewhat restrained - not much of an impression

Bellevue Touraine, 2005, $25.00
-> MY NOTES: steel - woody, cabbage, horseradish, sticky gummy taste, varietal character shows through



Bourgogne Chardonnay (White Burgundy), $24.00
-> MY NOTES: from Cote de Ore, toast, thinner, acidic, pineapple

J.Lohr Chardonnay, 2005, $12.00
-> MY NOTES: butterscotch, grapefruit
* this was one of the top 3 liked wines for the tasting!



Woop Woop Cabernet Sauvignon, 2005, $13.00
-> MY NOTES: uses American and French oak, cigar smoke, tar, leather, personally, I found to be a bit overbearing (I think Sigrid described as "all elbows and knees")

La Gatte Bordeaux, 2003, $15.00
-> MY NOTES: leather, black pepper, eucalyptus



Domaine Georges Vernay Syrah, 2005, $20.00
-> MY NOTES: nose: baked goods, sour cream, black pepper, taste: like little grenades!!
* this was one of the top 3 liked wines for the tasting!

Mitolo The Jester Shiraz, 2006, $20.00
Syrah/Shiraz from McLaren Vale, Australia
-> MY NOTES: smooth, non-controversial
* this was one of the top 3 liked wines for the tasting!