Joe wrote:
> I have some 2004 cab franc still in DJ. It still lacks oak and I have been
> trying to find a reason to get started with an oak barrel. Would it be too
> late to put this wine in a barrel?
>
> I guess bulk aging is a subject with many ideas but if bulk aging after year
> can you still work the wine as far as blending, oak ...?
>


Go for it. I have the last 30+ gals of my 2004 Cab/Zin/Carignane blend
in a plastic barrel that will be transferred to a 120 liter French oak
barrel next month. Made 150 gals - keep the oak barrel filled with wine,
bottle every 3 months then transfer from plastic to oak.

This year's Cab/Zin blend is in primary now will probably press next
weekend.

Steve