When we started working with Tonnellerie Cadus French oak barrels and puncheons earlier this year, we had an idea of how many we wanted to sell for the 2016 season, but, as with all new partnerships, we forecasted conservatively to ensure that we’d meet Cadus’ expectations as well as balance our efforts with our other valued suppliers.
Well, we’ve exceeded our initial goal by about 100 barrels, a testimony as to how well these elegant barrels mesh with the cool climate wine styles (and beer styles–Midwest breweries LOVE Cadus!) of eastern and central North America. Thank you, thank you, thank you to our customers who have given them a try. We’re now down to only about 15* barrels left in our east coast warehouse. Hooray!
So while we can always tap into our reserves in 
California and Oregon warehouses, I love being able to keep the number of miles these little guys spend on the road as low as possible to ensure the gentlest ride available to their forever homes. They get along well with barrels from other cooperages; they’re not aggressive and they play nicely with Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Marquette, Chardonnay, Albarino and Sauvignon Blanc (to name just a few of my faves), supporting and lifting the fruit with unconditional love; and they’re very loyal–they’ll cuddle with your wines for 12 or even 24 months straight! Pedigrees available upon request. Won’t you take one home to join your cellar family? (We try to keep barrels from the same litter together, though, so–better yet–how about two?) 🙂
*Update as of 10/6: Only 5 cute little puppies, er, barrels left on the east coast!