Troncais vs. Jupille Barrels

Winery: DAOU Vineyards & Winery

Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon  

Winemaker: Daniel Daou

Objective: To compare the sensory effect of French Oak from the Troncais Forest and the Jupille Forest on Cabernet Sauvignon.

Description: Two of our best Cabernet Sauvignon lots were selected for the trial. Both tend to drive very high phenolics that are considered rare, reaching bound anthocyanins in excess of 300 bound ppm. In both lots, we used two barrels to compare the characteristics it imparted on the wine. The cooperage used was ANA Selection from France. One barrel came from the Troncais Forest while the other barrel was a custom hybrid that was made for us that was 50 percent Troncais and 50 percent Jupille.

Lot Description: 

Lot 1: Cabernet Sauvignon Block 273

Lot 2: Cabernet Sauvignon Block 28-2

Conclusions: From a sensory effect standpoint, the difference is very clear. The Troncais exhibited more structure on the palette while the nose was a little more muted. The Hybrid barrel had a much more pronounced floral component and on the palette and the mouthfeel was much more round.