Long live the death of Oak in California!!! Or at least I can only hope for the characteristic oak bombs so long identified with many California wines are on the decline. Can I actually buy a California Chardonnay without fear that it will be like chewing on a log?
Ok a little harsh and some of my wine friends really love the woodsy flavor that oak imparts. It's just not my first palette choice. Or my second. I prefer it over a corked wine for sure.
Asiminov, guru wine writer, is predicting the demise not because it's no longer fashionable but because of financial reasons - new oak barrels don't come cheap. Even wineries feel the financial strains of the economy and are looking for new ways to cut back. Buying new barrels and putting a spin on their marketing (like labeling their bottles as "Naked") and using bottles that are lighter to economize on the price of the glass and shipping (and calling it more green) are two of the major trends we're seeing California wines cut back.
It's not a bad thing right way in my mind and I'm sure there will still be plenty of oak bombs left for those who prefer them, it will just be nice to have more than one flavor profile to choose from. Thank you economy...
Read the full article at Decanter here.
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