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need help with an off-taste in a cabernet

I have an 8 gallon barrel of what should be a perfect cabernet. It's been in oak for about 8 months. Yesterday, when I sampled it, it had a definitely weird taste. It almost tastes like a concentrated sherry. The color is good, and it's still clear (though very dark and rich looking).

By the way, the barrel is 2 years old, and has never been empty of wine. The first batch (a pinot noir) came out perfectly.

The thoughts that I could come up with is that it could have oxidized or that it could be corked. I have no experience with either of those problems. It doesn't appear to be bacterially contaminated. By the way, it went through a full MLF, and is bone dry.

Any thoughts? Is there any way to measure whether a wine is oxidized? Is there anything that I can do about it? Any other possibilities?

Thanks,

Lee

Reply to
Lee
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Sherry like notes would indicate oxidation.

Reply to
STEPHEN PEEK

Yes, it sounds like you have let air get to it. It has oxidized. If it has, and with that taste there is little else that could have happened, about all you can do is turn it into sherry. Sounds like it is a good candidate for it. Fortify it with brandy or everclear and sweeten to taste if you want to and serve it as an aperitif. Pretend that it came out exactly as you intended it to and act like you are proud of it!

Ray

Reply to
Ray Calvert

What else did you do during the past 8 months besides keep the barrel filled? When did you last rack? What is the level of SO2? What did you use to fine the wine?

If it is basically a good wine but slightly oxidized, you could try polyclar.

Ted

Reply to
wineidaho

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