Detecting oak taste test

[JohnG]

Foodie makes a very good point. The only times that oak has really bothered me has been in chardonnay, and I think it's because it's so much more salient when the wine is flabby --- the wine tastes like a big mouthful of butter.

It does make me wonder what it is about the flavors imparted by wood that so many people resonate with. Armchair psychologizing leads me to think that flavors like vanilla and butter are comforting and familiar; witness the prevalence of vanilla-flavored candles, potpourri, etc., and butter is associated with a number of comfort foods.