Recent content by MN-Mike

I should have been clearer when I started..........I have already stabilized and clarified. I did a good job de-gassing at that time. It's been sitting for approx. 3 weeks since than and I'm planning to bottle this weekend.

I have added the sulphite that came with the kit prior to this. However, since I plan to let this sit for a year, I had heard that it might be a good idea to add more before bottling.

If I have sediment in the carboy, should I rack before bottling? Also, that would give me a good opportunity to add the Meta-K. If I do this and consequently stir things up a bit, should I wait a day or two before bottling? Thanks again. This group is pretty funny to monitor. Probably...

Hi all, It's time to bottle my WE Cab. Sauv. and since this is my first kit I need some help. Should I add more suphite. The kit had me add meta-sulphite after clarifying, but I'm planning to store for at least 6-12 months and some have suggested adding some more before bottleing. Thanks

Hi all, Thanks again for all the great advice. I was really worried that something was wrong based upon the smell and taste of my early wine. I tried George's glass test(pour a glass, swirl it around pretty good, and wait a half hour) and that proved to be very telling. The initial...

Hi all, As a new member working through questions on my first kit, you have all been really helpful. As a wine lover, I am motivated to make my own for 2 reasons. First, since my wife and I drink a lot of wine, it would be great to reduce the cost. Secondly, it just seems like a fun hobby...

Hi all, I expected this to be a common question. Its' been really helpful to hear peoples comments. George's comments above describing the smell as that of alcohol seemed too simplistic at first. However, themore I think about it, in my case the smell that I termed as medicinal, may also be...

Thanks to all. I might be way ahead of myself, but appreciate everyones comments. I de-gassed last weekend after clarifying. I used a power drill attachment. I'm hoping that helps, but time will tell. How does everyone handle waiting so long before enjoying your work! I'm assuming this...

The smell is a chemical type. More likepaint thinner than good wine. I'm hoping it's just the age of the wine and it will get better over time. What struck me was the same distinct smell and taste in my friends kit wines. Someone else on this forum had written that a winestaste will improve...

Me again, Forgot to mention, the kit I have started is a Wine Expert-Selection Original Series-Cab. Sauv.. Has anyone else made this kit? Any comments?

Hi all, As I wait for my first batch, a friend of mine shared several bottles. He gave me a 2004 Chilean Cab. Sauv. kit that tasted pretty good. However, he also gave me a 2005 Chilean Merlot kit that tasted kind of like vinegar or medicine. Both wines smelled a bit medicinal. I don't know...

Hi again, Thanks to all for your comments and advice on my tasting of such a young batch.I have a friend who just tonight, gave me 3 bottles from 3 differnt kits he has done. One was a 2004, another a 2005, and the other a 2006. Very interesting to test them all. Yes, that's right, I tested...

Hi all, By all the posts I've already read, I'm sure this forum should provide plenty of support for a newbie like me. I started my first batch(Selections-Cab. Sauv. Premium Series) a couple weeks ago. It's in the secondary right now and the fermantation seems to be over. I'm going to wait...