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Now I'm concerned. In June I started a double batch of the LaBodega Port andjust racked from a new Vadai 6 1/2 gallon barrel yesterday after 3 months. Added the F-pack and fortified before it went into the barrel. Now the barrel is filled with this years Zinfandel from fresh grapes. Not worried...

Thanks everyone. Had a wonderful birthday. To all the fathers out there, have a great fathers day tomorrow! Steve aka TankCa

Thanks Wade, learn something new everyday.

I just purchased a CC Showcase LOVZ and see they've added an enzyme pack. This must be new. Any idea what it is supposed to do? I use enzymes prior to primary fermentation with fresh grapes to help break down the skins but for this kit the instructions say to add after primary...

I have an alcoholmeter. Works just like a hydrometer but is only accurate for distilled sprits. Works great. Here is a link.... http://www.brewhaus.com/Alcoholmeter-25cm-P959C130.aspx

Thanks for the reassurance. It does look a little lighter in the glass. Steve

<DIV =postcolor id=post-365471>I have a WE Estate NZ Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc that is sable and clear but is a golden color. Could it be oxidized? Most Sauvignon Blanc's I've had are a light straw color. I compared the color to a couple commericial bottles and it is a much deeper color. I...

Congratulations everyone. I won a silver for a WE Selection Viognier out of 3 entered. Had a great time, got the opportunity to meet George and drank a lot of very good wine. Steve

I used pressed skins (pomice) from fresh Merlot grapes this fall on a MM AJ CabMerlot and MM AJ Merlot and both kits look to be very good so far. I plan to do it again this fall. Both kits have good body, color and flavor profile. Steve

That is why I have a selection from 6 gallons to 1/2 gallon. I also have airlocks that fit 750l and 375l bottles. I would rack to a 3 gallon and a 1 gallon to avoid problems. BTW...not often I run into someone with the same last name as me. Where are you from?

I suppose the real comparison is the home process versus the commercial process. I agree and have been reading everything I can and even visiting commercial wineries in the area to learn more. I live in the Sierra Foothills and there are a dozen wineries within a 10 mile radius of my home...

Jim: I've been at this hobby for about 2 years (seriously fora year) and want to make the best wine I can (fresh or kit). My first batch is closing in on 2 years (a WE Lodi OVZ) and has improved significantly over just the past 8 months but is still not comparable to $10 Ravenswood Lodi OVZ...

Why do kits do so well in the WineMakers Mag Competition going head to head with wine from fresh grapes while at the same time will not produce a wine comparable to a $25 bottle of commercial wine?

Brandy is optional but I used 500ml of E&amp;J.Some use Everclear.

George...what wines are you entering? As I recall you won a couple medals last year.

Wade is correct. Add the flavor pack on day 46 and you can either bottle after 7 days or continue to bulk age. I highly recommend bulk aging for at least a couple more months because it will continue to drop sediment and better to have it in the bottom of a carboy than a bottle. If desired...

No problem, glad I could help. I started mine on 2/25/08 and bottled in July. I added a few extra oz. of oak cubes and 1000ml of E&amp;J VSOP brandy before bulk aging. Bottled all of it in Bellisimo 375ml bottles for that classic Port look. Came out very good, I'm sure you will enjoy...

I just went down stairs and found the instructions. Step #4 Day 46, make sure the wine is clear and rack again. Remove 2 liters of wine from your carboy. Take pouch marked Porto Monidiale Flavor, add to carboy and stir vigorously. Top up and let wine rest for 7 days. Note: excess wine that...

I made the port last year and as I recall you add the port flavor pack 30 or so days after stabilization once the wine has cleared and is racked. You will have about a liter of wine left (displaced from the flavor pack) that can be bottled and used later as topping wine or to drink.

I just started my CC Showcase LOVZ on Saturday and it had a starting SG of 1.100