FWIW, American oak is supposed to introduce stronger flavors/more tannin than French oak which is why some Napa valley vintners only use French oak now.
From what you're saying, Pinot Noir will be right up your alley because it can't be left in barrels for long or it gets swamped.
"... They ne'er cared for us
yet: suffer us to famish, and their store-houses
crammed with grain; make edicts for usury, to
support usurers; repeal daily any wholesome act
established against the rich, and provide more
piercing statutes daily, to chain up and restrain
the poor. If the wars eat us not up, they will; and
there's all the love they bear us."
-- Shakespeare: Coriolanus, Act 1, scene 1
