Barrel Aging

Make Great Wine Even Better!

Oak barrel aging can improve the quality of your wine. Oak’s delicate vanilla scent and complex toastiness enhances the fruit flavours and aromas already present. In addition, even a short time in a barrel can mature a wine faster than a longer period of time in a regular carboy. Oak barrel aging can turn an average wine into a prizewinner and is often a common denominator in wines that reach beyond the ordinary.

Commonly, only full-bodied red wines and richly flavoured whites (such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc) are used for Barrel Aging. To a red, it gives a softness and complexity that adds great character. For some whites, it can increase aromatic qualities that make the wine truly special. The natural process of evaporation allows the wine to concentrate its flavor and aroma. As well, small amounts of oxygen are allowed to pass through the barrel and acts as a softening agent upon the tannins of the wine.

Just Fine Wine offers select varieties for Barrel Aging, available systematically throughout the year ~ typically every two to three months. The program is open to anyone and is especially popular with true wine lovers. The wines selected for the program are of the top caliber and the process is an additional $50 per batch (23 Litres). Availability is limited and space fills up quickly, so be sure to inquire about reserving yours today.

Now Taking Reservations For:

  • Winexpert Private Reserve Lodi Ranch 11 Cabernet Sauvignon w/Grape Skins (SOLD OUT!)
    • Toasted oak and well integrated tannins, pepper and baking spice combine to enhance trademark blackcurrant and dark cherry flavours. Big, rich fruit flavour and complex structure dazzle from first aroma to long, refined finish.
  • Winexpert Private Reserve Sonoma Dry Creek Valley Chardonnay (SOLD OUT!)
    •  Light warm oak accentuates a savoury, spicy aroma with a soft, supple and fruity palate of juicy plums and red berries. Smooth tannins and rich, round flavour provides a lush, polished texture as well as an elegant lingering finish. Harvested from the highly regarded Stag’s Leap District on the valley’s east bench, this Merlot is dry and heavy-bodied. Our best selling red wine on an annual basis, Stag’s Leap Merlot often retails for $40+ per bottle in liquor and wine stores.
  • RJ’s RQ26 Nebbiolo – Italy (SOLD OUT!)
    • A bold, structured red with tart cherry and raisin with supple leather notes and a smoky undertone. Crafted in the spirit of northern Italy’s finest, this “restricted quantities” wine also presents flavours of blackberry and plum  which add rustic depth to this wine of grit and grace.
  • LE25 Pinot Shiraz – Riverland, Australia (SOLD OUT!)
    •  An unconventional blend of two distinctly different varietals, masterfully balancing elegance and power. Aromas of mixed berries, florals, and soft spice lead to flavours of sour cherry, dark plum, red fruit, and blueberry. Light licorice and spice add depth, with a lingering finish of silky tannins.
  • LE25 Blanc de Noir – Languedoc, France (SOLD OUT!)
    •  truly distinctive white wine made from black Grenache grapes with minimal skin contact during pressing. Blanc de Noir, meaning ‘white from black’, leans toward white peach, and pink grapefruit flavours with subtle spice. Herbaceous notes, soft echoes of red apple and strawberry, and crisp acidity finish out this showpiece.
  • LE25 Malbec Cabernet – Mendoza, Argentina (SOLD  OUT!)
    • A bold, charismatic blend showcasing the richness of Malbec and structure of Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of violet, dark fruit, and spice lead to a palate of plum, blackberry, and gentle peppercorn. Well-integrated tannins and acidity bring lift, leaving a smooth finish lingering with dark fruit and warmth.
  • LE25 Pacific Quartet Red w/Grape Skins (SOLD OUT!)
    • Four varietals from four countries: Chilean Carménère, Australian Shiraz, California Cabernet Sauvignon, and New Zealand Merlot create a delectably bold, well-structured blend. Aromas of blackberry, cherry, and spice lead to a rich palate layered with blackcurrant, plum, and dark chocolate. Firm tannins and toasty oak deliver a long, satisfying finish.
  • Winexpert Private Reserve Napa Valley Stag’s Leap District Merlot w/Grape Skins
    • Light warm oak accentuates a savoury, spicy aroma with a soft, supple and fruity palate of juicy plums and red berries. Smooth tannins and rich, round flavour provides a lush, polished texture as well as an elegant lingering finish. Harvested from the highly regarded Stag’s Leap District on the valley’s east bench, this Merlot is dry and heavy-bodied. Stag’s Leap Merlot often retails for $40+ per bottle in liquor and wine stores.
  • Winexpert Reserve Australian Chardonnay (Only 2 Left!)
    • Leave it to the Aussies to take the noble French grape and turn it into the wine equivalent of a full-on party. The Chardonnays of Australia continue to wow wine drinkers around the world with their unabashed celebration of opulent fruit and vanilla-oak, full-bodied flavour. Winexpert Reserve Australian Chardonnay is no exception. Tasting notes of ripe pineapple, mango and vanilla with a full, supple, creamy texture. This golden wine delivers from start to clean, lingering finish. Ideal with chicken, fish, salads and cream-sauce pastas.

We are taking suggestions for wines to go into the oak barrels after the LE25 wines have been completed. If you have any requests, please let us know.