Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/59079
CO VER S T OR Y tives until after he conducted a trial. He decided to conduct the trial when a portion of his French oak barrels had reached the limits of usefulness for flavor and aroma, so he purchased some used barrels and inserts. In the end, McPherson said he liked the results—and he liked the economics even more. He said he has been buying around 200 new French oak barrels per A winemaker's perspective J on McPherson, winemaker at the 56,000-case South Coast Winery in Temecula, Calif., said he had been using oak ad- juncts but never made any significant purchase in alterna- year, but now he plans to purchase about half that number because he's filling out the rest of his oak program with inserts from Barrel Builders. At around $80 per set, the inserts are far more affordable than the $800-$1,000 he used to spend for a new French barrel. "I don't know that you can replace barrels using these products, but I think you can extend the life of your barrels," he said. The environmentally sustainable aspect of inserts also appeals to McPherson. "I don't know if we're saving a forest, but we didn't have to cut down quite as many trees to make the barrels than these staves," he said. "I don't know that you can replace barrels using these products, but I think you can extend the life of your barrels." — Winemaker Jon McPherson, South Coast Winery McPherson said his work with the trials gave him the confidence to alter his barrel program to include more inserts. "I feel a lot more comfortable and confident we can maintain that level of quality," he said. A.A. AP - US - FX10 -88.9x x 123.825 - 02.12:X16 22/02/2012 Patent # 7357069 Inspired Design Our spirals made from Premium, American or French Oak deliver 100% new barrel flavor (8 months) in as little as six weeks. Now you can boast authentic oak flavor using neutral barrels or tanks – with rapid, controllable and predictable results. ZYMAFLORE FX10® www.InfusionSpiral.com (800) 201-7125 : the elegance of heritage Yeast for Bordeaux-style red wines, tested and approved by many Grands Crus! • Silky structure (tannin intensity but low astringency). • Masks the perception of green character. • Terroir expression. • High alcohol tolerance. • Fermentation security. West Coast–New York–Texas Len Napolitano (805) 712-4471 len@thebarrelmill.com 26 Wines & Vines APRiL 2012 Four toast levels Economical Sustainable Time-saving LAFFORT U.S.A. - 1460 Cader Lane, Suite C Petaluma, CA 94954 laffortusa@laffort.com - (707) 775-4530 – www.laffortusa.com RK GREEN