I popped by to check on the merlot and petite sirah in barrels at my friends’ office.  While I was there I took some samples to test for free SO2.

Last time I tasted these wines there was no detectable oak, which was not expected from barrels that have only been used once so far.  I added toasted American oak cubes to each barrel, and I can now taste decent oak in the merlot.  However, the petite sirah is just flaccid, almost like water, with no oak or flavor or body — very disappointing!  I would add more cubes to this barrel, but I’m currently out.  There is at least pretty decent tannins, though I did expect more from petite sirah.  I hope this one comes together!

I tested the free SO2 for both, and at least that seems OK — the petite sirah is at about 21 ppm, and the merlot is at 19 ppm.  A good target is 25 ppm for free SO2 in red wines, but these are still high enough for now.  We will add another dose of potassium metabisulfite a few days before we bottle.