I don't think we are necessarily against oaky wines. To me at least it seems that the wood has to complement the wine and maybe emphasize certain characteristics. If it does that, fine. However, if you cannot actually taste the wine behind the oak or, perhaps even worse, if you feel that an otherwise quite promising wine just had an encounter of the third kind with the carpenter, well, then it is a big shame. I like to be surprised by wine, whereas wood too often turns it into the safe and boring option.
I have actually been to the Kaiserstuhl earlier this year. Sadly, we did not have time to do any tastings or to explore the area properly. We did manage to try a few wines from Heger though, but that really was a drive-by tasting. I do certainly hope to return and explore the area properly.
In reply to Unfortunately the most by Patrick Johner
Oak is not always evil
I don't think we are necessarily against oaky wines. To me at least it seems that the wood has to complement the wine and maybe emphasize certain characteristics. If it does that, fine. However, if you cannot actually taste the wine behind the oak or, perhaps even worse, if you feel that an otherwise quite promising wine just had an encounter of the third kind with the carpenter, well, then it is a big shame. I like to be surprised by wine, whereas wood too often turns it into the safe and boring option.
I have actually been to the Kaiserstuhl earlier this year. Sadly, we did not have time to do any tastings or to explore the area properly. We did manage to try a few wines from Heger though, but that really was a drive-by tasting. I do certainly hope to return and explore the area properly.