Jt Steele Special Red Wine Blend 2016
Lake County, Calif., $18
This is a blend mostly of syrah and zinfandel from Lake County, north of Napa County, and aged four months in bourbon barrels before bottling. It tastes mostly of red wine, partly of bourbon. Best of all, its dry. The smokiness from the barrels should make this wine a good partner for grilled steak. This is new to the DC area, but fairly widely distributed throughout the southeast. ABV: 14.5 percent.
Distributed by RNDC: Available in the District at Calvert Woodley, Chevy Chase Wine & Spirits, Rodmans.
From Cabernet To Syrah Seven Bourbon Barrel
Wines aged in spirit barrels have become increasingly popular. From Cabernet Sauvignon to Petite Sirah, the subtle influences of the barrels create intense, full-bodied wines with typical whiskey flavors of vanilla, spice, smoke and high tannins.
Here are seven of the best bourbon barrel-aged red wines to try.
Josh Cellars 2019 Bourbon Barrel Aged Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $17, 91 points. This attractive, full-bodied wine is one of the best Bourbon barrel styles yet. It is nicely packed with blackberry and black currant flavors and laced with ample fine-grained tannins for a mouth-filling effect. Excellent concentration and ripeness add to its appeal, while the Bourbon effect is mild. Jim Gordon
Aloria 2016 Forté Estate Bourbon Barrel Aged Syrah $22, 90 points. Quite sweet and relatively soft, this broad-textured wine is mouth-filling and luscious. Its stuffed full of blackberry jam and black cherry syrup flavors that linger on the jammy finish. J.G.
Sebastiani 2018 Bourbon Barrel Aged Red $18, 90 points. Robust and concentrated, this fully tannic wine boasts rich black-fruit flavors, generous oak accents and a big, mouth-filling texture. Blackberries, vanilla, clove and cinnamon arrive in the aroma and last through the finish. J.G.
We
Sebastiani 2018 Bourbon Barrel Aged Red
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Robust and concentrated, this fully tannic wine boasts rich black-fruit flavors, generous oak accents and a big, mouthfilling texture. Blackberries, vanilla, clove and cinnamon arrive in the aroma and last through the finish. Jim Gordon
All tastings reported in the Buying Guide are performed blind. Typically, products are tasted in peer-group flights of from 5-8 samples. Reviewers may know general information about a flight to provide contextvintage, variety or appellationbut never the producer or retail price of any given selection. When possible, products considered flawed or uncustomary are retasted.
Ratings reflect what our editors felt about a particular product. Beyond the rating, we encourage you to read the accompanying tasting note to learn about a products special characteristics.
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Come For A Visit As Rich And Flavorfulas Our Bourbon
One trip to our historic Distillery on the scenic Salt River in Lawrenceburg, or to our unique single-story rack Warehouse and Bottling Facility nestled in the quiet Kentucky countryside at Coxs Creek, and youll begin to understand how our Bourbon has come to be so mellow. Of course, being able to sample a taste of our award-winning Bourbons at each location makes a trip to these very mellow places all that more rewarding.
Bending Branch Winery Double Barrel Tannat 2017
Texas, $38
Dr. Bob Young has fashioned a rather nice wine here, with some of the tannat put through flash detente, a process designed to increase the extraction of tannins and color. There are notes of caramel and vanilla, flavors any well-toasted oak barrel can give to a wine the edge to the flavor comes from the bourbon, and well, maybe the high alcohol. This is nice for the category, though the price is certainly a factor. Alcohol by volume: 15.7 percent.
Distributed by the winery in Texas, available elsewhere online from the winery.
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How The Questions You Ask Make Such A Big Difference In Your Life
How exactly does finishing wine in an ex-bourbon barrel shape its aroma and flavor profile? Is this a marketing gimmick or a genuine innovation in winemaking? To get some answers I sat down with Wayne Donaldson, Winemaker at Josh Cellars, in Mendocino County, California.
JM: Bourbon barrel matured wines appear to have more richness and flavor. How does the use of ex-bourbon barrels enhance these characteristics?
Wayne Donaldson, Winemaker, Josh Cellars
WD: The bourbon barrels we use for Josh Cellars Bourbon Barrel Cab are made with American oak and are heavily charred on the inside. This brings a different richness and flavor to the wine. The wines have more of a caramel and vanilla profile.
JM: Is the ex-bourbon barrel adding any additional alcohol to the wine? If so, how much?
WD: Yes, the barrels we use are freshly dumped bourbon barrels and will have residual bourbon which has soaked into the wood. We usually see 0.5 1.0% alcohol increase.
JM: Would a heavily charred barrel add the same flavor and aroma profile to a wine? Is there anything additional added by the whiskey itself?
WD: In the case of Josh Cellars Bourbon barrel, the heavily charred American oak barrels we use are key to adding some complexity to the wine. Just the whiskey flavors and the slight increase in alcohol content, we dont alter the base wine too much with this process.
JM: On average, how much ex-bourbon barrel aging can a typical wine receive?
JM: Thank you.
Robert Mondavi Private Selection Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine
- This 750 mL wine bottle contains five glasses of bourbon barrel aged cabernet sauvignon red wine
- Delicious red wine with decadent aromas of ripe blackberry
- Aged wine with flavorful notes of black cherry, blackberry cobbler, blueberry pie, praline, and sweet vanilla custard
- Robert Mondavi wine that pairs well charcuterie boards and hearty pasta dishes
- California red wine crafted with grapes sourced from coastal vineyards in Monterey County
Cabernet Sauvignon, California
Private selection. Bourbon Barrel-aged. Select lots aged in bourbon barrels. This Cabernet Sauvignon blends the craftsmanship of California winemaking with the Southern tradition of Bourbon Whiskey barrel aging. The cool climate of our coastal vineyards imparts the wine with deep flavors of black cherry and blackberry. Select lots are then aged in Bourbon Whiskey barrels, delivering rich nuances of vanilla, brown sugar and subtle toasted oak when added to the blend. RobertMondaviPrivateSelection.com Alc. 14.5% by vol. 29 Vinted and bottled by Robert Mondavi, Acampo, CA.
Contains: Contains sulfites.,Government Warning: According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems.
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Our Top 10 Best Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon
Probabilities suggest that there are some things you need to watch out for while searching for $100 binoculars. In the meantime, weve put up a thorough list of those elements in this buyers guide.
Use this overview to make sure you select an item that will give you the greatest benefit. When choosing a product, there are a number of crucial factors in our buying guide that can help you to choose your desire product.
Wine & Vintage Details
Tasting Note
This wine is bursting with aromas of ripe blackberries, roasted hazelnuts, and caramel. With intense concentration bolstered by Petit Verdot, this full-bodied wine has a creamy mouthfeel with ripe tannins and integrated acidity. The lingering finish boasts notes of toasted coconut, violet, and black cherry.
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Gnarly Head 1924 Double Black Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
Lodi, $22
Of all the bourbon barrel-aged wines I tried, this was the sweetest. Its a blend of red grapes from Lodi, so zinfandel probably figures prominently. The wine was fermented in stainless steel and aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels, before being put into bourbon barrels for an additional 90 days. It is almost port-like, in flavor and alcohol level, so think of pairing this with chocolate cake or brownies. ABV: 16.5 percent.
Distributed by DMV: Available in the District at Pauls of Chevy Chase, Rodmans. Available in Maryland at Beer, Wine & Co. in Bethesda, Buehlers Package Goods in St. Leonard, Crescent Beer & Wine in Bowie, Downtown Crown Wine and Beer in Gaithersburg, Fireside Deli & Wine Shop in Swanton, Frederick Wine House in Frederick, Hair O the Dog in Easton, Halpine Beer Wine and Deli in Rockville, Parkway Deli & Restaurant and Sniders Super Foods in Silver Spring, Potomac Gourmet Market in National Harbor, Sunnys Fine Wine & Spirits in Sykesville, Takoma Park-Silver Spring Co-Op in Takoma Park, Twist Wine & Spirits in Lexington Park, Upcounty Fine Wine & Beer in Clarksburg, Wine & Liquor Depot in Brandywine, Wine Bin in Ellicott City, the Wine Shoppe in Waldorf.
Senior Vice President Of Winemaking
With over 35 vintages under his belt, Mark is Senior Vice President of Winemaking and oversees all winemaking and cellar operations. He began his career in 1977 with Pacific Land and Viticulture and then went on to Sebastiani where he became the Director of Winemaking. Mark even started his own company in 1986, Global Vin and Beverage, where he was instrumental in the launch of the Vinterra and Viansa wine brands. He loves to travel and, when it comes to wine, hes seen it all!
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Woodbridge Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon Red Wine
- This 750 mL wine bottle contains five glasses of bourbon barrel-aged cabernet sauvignon red wine
- California wine with comforting aromas of vanilla, oak, and cocoa
- Delicious red wine with ripe fruit flavors of blackberry and plum with hints of vanilla bean and toasted marshmallow
- Balanced, full-bodied, and complex California red wine with a bold, rich finish
- Pair this cabernet wine with braised oxtail and mashed root vegetables, or serve with your favorite comfort food
Cabernet Sauvignon, California
Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi. Bourbon barrel aged. Select lots finished in Bourbon barrels. In 1979, Robert Mondavi founded Woodbridge Winery near his childhood home of Lodi, California to craft wines for everyday enjoyment. This Bourbon Barrel-Aged Cabernet Sauvignon delivers flavors of black berry and red plum with hints of vanilla bean, toasted marshmallow, and a long finish. Select lots are finished in bourbon barrels and blended with the wine to impart a bold and rich flavor. woodbridgewines.com. Vinted & bottled by Woodbridge Winery, Acampo, CA.
Contains: Contains sulfites.,Government Warning: According to the Surgeon General, women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy because of the risk of birth defects. Consumption of alcoholic beverages impairs your ability to drive a car or operate machinery, and may cause health problems.
Are Bourbon
This article was published more than 6 months ago. Some information may no longer be current.
Aging wines in bourbon barrels leads to super easy-drinking results.Tommy Lee Walker/Getty Images/iStockphoto
The first bourbon-barrel aged red wine from California was launched in 2014 as a small batch label to gauge consumer interest. Blurring the lines between alcohol categories quickly proved to be a success for the 1,000 Stories Bourbon Barrel Aged Zinfandel. A new style of wine was developed and continues to experience sales growth even as more producers in the United States and other countries bring new wines to market.
There are 60 California wine brands, including Apothic, Beringer, Fetzer, Josh and Robert Mondavi, reportedly making full-bodied and boldly flavoured wine as of last year. These products are praised for bringing new consumers into the wine category, even if traditional wine lovers see the style as a marketing gimmick that wont last.
A used bourbon barrel typically costs between US$100 and US$200, subject to the quantity purchased, while a new French oak barrel can cost $1,500 dollars or more. Laws overseeing production stipulate that new American oak barrels are used to age and mature whisky made in the United States, which is why so many distilleries, breweries and, now wineries, buy up older casks that cannot be reused.
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How Ex
Layer Cake Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon
In recent years the practice of maturing or finishing whiskeys in barrels that previously held wines, especially sweet wines, has become increasingly popular in the whiskey industry. Now some winemakers are returning the favor, by finishing their red wines in casks that previously held bourbon.
The first official American whiskey barrel aged wine, 1,000 Stories by Fetzer Vineyards, appeared in 2014, although it is likely that winemakers in the past have used ex-bourbon barrels as inexpensive alternatives to buying new ones.
According to Jim Butler of Butler Winery, winemakers in Southern Indiana have used ex-bourbon casks to mature wines for decades because as poor mans oak, they were cheaper and more available than new oak wine barrels. Though he notes that some winemaklers now use them deliberately to create a specific style.
Dan Philips, an American wine importer who was also a winemaker in Australia, claims to be the very first winemaker to use ex-bourbon barrels to specifically finish wine. In 2005 he used barrels that had previously held 23 YO Pappy Van Winkle to finish a Southern Belle Shiraz. Phillips has gone on to use the same technique in several wine producing regions, most recently in Bordeaux.
An ex-bourbon barrel will typically run between $100 and $200, depending on the quantity purchased, versus a new barrel of French oak that can set you back $1,000 to $1,500 dollars.