Cellar Craft showcase washington merlot

[patc]

Just recieved a washington merlot from george, noticed it just has a single package of untoasted american oak to be added to the primary, but no oak cubes for bulk aging? is this right? if so does anybody know what taste that just the package of oak imparts? do you think it's enough? of course i will taste it before bulk aging it but was just wondering for those of you that have made it if you can give me some taste feedback on what to exp[ect using just the supplied oak and if you had to do it again would you add more a bulk aging. Also recieved the limited release cab /shiraz and bit the bullet and snagged one of the last two meglioli barolo's

should be fun!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ibglowin]

I have this one bulk aging about 3 months right now. Only came with oak sawdust, no cubes. Its obvious they are going for a fruit forward Merlot with just a touch of oak. I decided to make this one as is and just see how it turns out. Can't comment on how it taste just yet but I will when I rack off the fines in a few months.

 

[Goodfella]

I just started mine today. It only comes with dust. I will evaluate it when it's done fermenting, I might run it through a barrel.


My grape pack had a bit of mold on the top. I scooped it off, the rest looked fine. But I am on high alert with this one.

 

[ibglowin]

Just pulled a quick sample and did a taste test. Its very fruit forward with no real oak that I could detect. Mine is still green but taste pretty good for only 3 months.

 

[patc]

thanks mike, I think i will taste mine at bulk aging but i think i might add some french house toast as i have been checking out quite a few washington merlot winery sites and they seem to use american and french oak, having said that i will probably use a lighter amount and tastealong the way like 1 1/2 ounces of french house toast, seems to me that french also enhances the fruit along with not overpowering with oak as long as you monitor it.

 

[ibglowin]

I may do that with mine. I have some french oak chips in my tool box and I will be bulk aging this guy for at least another 6 months. 1.5 oz won't overpower the fruit. Seems like it needed something. It was a little too fruit forward for my taste. More like an Aussie Merlot. Easy drinker but I want a bit more mouth feel.

Glad I pulled a sample.

 

[patc]

I'm glad you did too!!!! It's like whenever i start a new wine i can pretty much count on you and some select others to give me great feed back because you guys seem to be light years ahead of me

but i have no problem following in your wake

Thanks!!!!!!!!


Pat


It's a little chilly here inNew England and we just dodgedthat huge storm!!!!!!!!!!