The fifth and sixth wines were from medium-toasted barrels, one French, one American. The French barrel gave a light citrus flavor, and the American had a touch of vanilla. It's pretty clear that dry Chardonnay by itself is an unlovely customer - sour and simple. Any aging diminishes the intensity of the acid. Aging in old oak barrels rounds and integrates the existing flavors.
New barrels give a forward fireplace aroma and taste.
Wine from toasted barrels tastes more like vanilla or butterscotch and less like raw wood. See if you can taste it. If you experience any problems with the Daily News Web site, please let us know. Include the date and time of the problem and a brief description.