What does a barrel taste like?

At Château de Valois, a splendid Pomerol estate, I got the chance to taste samples from different barrels. This is a rare treat, and something that is of great fun to the wine geek. After a barrel tasting from different barrels, one admirer the people, and the skill of those who decide on the final blend.

2010 Merlot from Château de Valois, all sampled, fermented in the same tank.

Tonneliere Remond Medium toast; (Allier)
Soma vanilla, perfumed, nuanced, very elegant fruit, nice texture, pure and floral.

Tonneliere Remond Medium+ toast (Allier)
Somewhat more coffee and tea, chocolate behind, imediately a deeper expression, or let's call it darker. Still perfumed, more structure, more difficult to enjoy fully.

Tonneliere Taransaud Medium Toast; (Allier)
Flirting roses, blueberries and touch of chocolate, very fresh, seductive.

2010 Cabernet Franc from Château de Valois, all sampled, fermented in the same tank

Tonneliere Remond Medium Toast (Allier)
Cassis, floral, violets, nice acidity and texture, fine balance, refined, pure, long and elegant.

Tonneliere Taransaud Medium Toast (Allier)
Cassis, some woody high-notes, touch of smoke. Fresh, fruity, feels slightly more intense, nice texture.

Tonneliere Francis Medium Toast (Allier)
Cassis, fruit driven, pure, some seductive floral notes. More fruit forward palate, very elegant lovely texture.

Then Merlot from fifty year old vines from Château de Valois, fermented in barrel;

Tonneliere Baron Medium + Toast (Allier)
Intense, chocolate, blueberries, sweeter fruit, lovely balance and very long indeed.

Tonneliere Cavin Medium Toast (Allier)
More chocolate but also red berries, but wood is hovering over the fruit.

And then some finished wines.....

2009 Château de Valois;
Ruby, floral notes, lovely red and darker berries, perfumed and elegant nose. Fresh acidity, pure, elegant, nice balance, nuanced, long finish. 93

2008 Château de Valois;
Ruby, intense, blackberries, needs time to open in the glass, nice texture, elegant acidity, ripe tannins, lively finish, long. 92