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    Kit Wine Taste

    Made the Eclipse New Zealand Sauv Blanc and was already pretty good at 6 months. Having a bottle here and there to see how it progresses. I would say it compares to a $15 - $17 commercial wine, which for a white is pretty good. I personally have noticed the "kit wine" taste in reds but doesn't...
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    Not tweaking high end kits

    never have done extended maceration... It seems most people just leave for 8-9 weeks without racking... might that cause and issue with gross lees imparting off flavors? I have a CC Showcase Zinfandel in primary and ready for first racking but wondering it trying out EM. Since I follow...
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    WinExpert bentonite dissolving hints / tricks

    I always put it in a blender just in case (obviously sanitize well)
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    Not tweaking high end kits

    That is great news! Thanks for sharing! I know kits won't make amazing wines, but I'm happy if my wines turn out comparable to a $18-$20 commercial bottle. The white (Eclipse Sauv Blanc) and Rose (RJS EP Pinot Noir Rose) have been pretty good. I've read the whites tend to be more consistent...
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    Not tweaking high end kits

    I haven't tweaked any of my kits and follow instructions to the T. Can I still get a good wine if I let it age 2 years? My first kit is reaching 2 years and I will taste my first bottle soon, but not sure what to expect. I don't bulk age as I live in a small apartment and only have on carboy...
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    Oak cubes vs spirals

    Thanks! Have you ever over-oaked any of your wines? I def want to give it some more structure, but don't want to end up with an oak bomb either
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    Oak cubes vs spirals

    Thanks Brian55. I live in a small apartment and pretty much bottle as instructed since I only have space for one carboy. When should I add a spiral or Xoaker and for how long? Is this only good for bulk aging (which I can't do)? How many Xoaker balls would you add for a 6 gallon batch and for...
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    Primary fermentation airlock issue

    Thanks CDrew, that's a relief! Didn't know if this might create some off flavors although it's a tiny amount. You prefer to use Starsan over vodka? I've never tried vodka but hear lots of people use it
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    Primary fermentation airlock issue

    I'm on the second day of fermentation and it seems it has been pretty aggressive. Some of the juice went up through the airlock and I assume some of the solution (star san) got sucked back down into the wine. It wasn't a whole lot (a tablespoon maybe), but can this be an issue?
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    Oak cubes vs spirals

    I only make premium kits (RJS EP, WE Eclipse and CC Showcase) but would like to know if the addition of more oak could be beneficial or I run the risk of over-oaking. Furthermore, if I add more oak than the kit already brings, should I cubes or spirals. what are the benefits of each? Thanks!
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    Cellar Craft Cheapest website for Cellar Craft Showcase?

    I was hoping there was a cheaper site. Usually I can get RJS EP and WE Eclipse around $135 - $140 through Labelpeelers. CC Showcase seems to be $25 - $45 more expensive although some ppl say they're a tiny step above the other big 2. Can anyone weigh in if the extra cost is worth over the best...
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    How much tannin for WE Eclipse Lodi Ranch Cabernet

    Thanks, I will add a little more. But considering this is finishing tannin, it should mostly work to enhance smell and mouthfeel, but not really alter too much. Want to avoid mixing in too much as this is a high end kit and should already be rather balanced
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    How much tannin for WE Eclipse Lodi Ranch Cabernet

    my scale isn't great, but if I go on the low end (0.2g/gallon) I get about half a teaspoon (2.5ml) of tannin. Does that sound about right? I would dissolve that in about an ounce (30ml) of warm water
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    How much tannin for WE Eclipse Lodi Ranch Cabernet

    The website says: "To Use: Dissolve Tannin Riche Extra in about 10 times its weight of warm water (35-40ºC/95-104ºF) then add it to the wine and mix well. Good homogenization is important. Final additions should be made at least 3 weeks prior to bottling. After additions, proceed with normal...
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