Barrel 1 tasting (new oak)

The new Rousseau barrel is doing its thing, kicking off lots of interesting flavors:  pinecones, toast, mint, and wood-smoke are all evident.    On the palate, there is some black cherry and wild strawberry buried under all of that oak.    The wine is a bit on the hot side now -- hopefully some of that will blow-off, and the rest will dissipate with blending and bottle age.