oaky; oakiness
A toasty, vanillin flavor and fragrance in wines that have been aged in new or lightly toasted (see toast) oak barrels. An oaky characteristic is wonderful in the proper balance. However exaggerated oakiness can be tannic (sometimes almost vegetal) and overwhelm a wine’s other components—it’s considered undesirable. See also oak.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.