During this past March the wine critics were in town to review barrel samples of the 2010 Bordeaux wines. As our wine will remain in the barrels for 14-18 months, what they taste is actually the unfinished wine. The experts try to tell the potential and read into the future how it will become when the aging is finished. I felt that with all the activity of March, that it would interest you to understand a few of the attributes of aging wine in French oak barrels.
It is exciting when the new barrels arrive. Each one is truly a work of art. Their craftsmanship can never be applauded enough. We use barrels from different cooperages, but find the barrels produced by Améline and Nadalie work exceptionally well with our wine. 
Wine, as it rests in the barrel, goes through subtle chemical changes, resulting in greater complexity and a softening of the tannins and flavors present at the end of fermentation. Barrel aging increases the stability and intensifies the color.
French oak barrels will add notes of spice, caramel, and mocha.
Barrel aging adds aromatic undertones of vanilla and toasted bread while respecting the natural red fruit flavors of the wine. 
There are over 200 barrels in our barrel cellar. Each of our barrels holds 225 liters, which equates to 300 bottles of wine. When you enter the cellar you are literally surrounded by our future wine. The fragrance of oak intermingled with wine is the air. Our Saint Emilion Grand Cru will be bottled two years after it was harvested. It is worth the wait and the investment.
