• "Why Oak?" Throughout history wine has been stored in many types of containers. The ancient Greeks and Romans used terra cotta amphora. But these jugs were porous and were often sealed with pine sap giving the wine a very unpleasant taste.

• Wooden barrels proved perfect and birch, chestnut as well as oak barrels are still used. Wine just seems to have a natural affinity for oak.

• The shopping starts in the forest. Some of the great wine houses of France pick the tree.

• They tell the barrel makers, also known as coopers, what size barrel they want and whether or not to burn it. The coopers will then build a fire in the barrel. This adds that wonderful toasty quality to the wine.

• But don't think you can run out and buy a French oak barrel. A 150 year old oak tree produces just two barrels at a price of $1000 a piece!

Branch • 2006 • Cabernet Sauvignon • 338758

Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon

appearance - bright, clear

color : dark, deep purple

aroma - strong

flavors (smell + taste)

sweetness - medium dry

acidity - smooth

oak - ash • burnt wood • caramel • butter

fruit - plum • figs

earth - cinnamon • mint

body - full

additional notes - great sipper

ViniCode™ expires - May 16, 2010