>>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.
>
>I've been seeking out Pinot Noirs since the movie Sideways, but I must save that my default wine choice is Merlot. It is easy to drink... nice and light.

I can't hear that word without thinking of the coolest company I ever worked for, Geneer (formerly RDI Software). There were a lot of first rate musicians on the staff and also some funny song satires on our intranet. One of my favorites was called "Smells Like Team Spirit" and was based on the quarterly Friday bustouts --

Merlot, merlot, merlot, merlot
Merlot, merlot, merlot, merlot
With the lights out I can code now
But which object? I don't know now
Merlot, merlot, merlot, merlot

That was a great place to work. Sadly defunct....