RJ Spagnols 2006 Ice Wine Kit

[smflyer]

I was given an unopened 2006 RJ Spagnols Ice Wine kit. I believe the date says October of 2006. It has been stored in a cool basement since purchase. I am curious, what are the chances that this wine will be any good?

Thanks

 

[joeswine]

If you were given the kit free of charge ,then there's no dought go for it nothing to loose,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

I would

I think it will be Ok

 

[smflyer]

I just noticed another post on the forum that if the liquid tastes like normal grapes it should be ok, but the yeast may be bad.

If the yeast is bad, does it matter what kind of yeast I use?

Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

[vcasey]

What yeast came with the kit?
VC

 

[joeswine]

use any champain type yeast ,make a starter then appyl

 

[smflyer]

Thanks. I just looked and there wasn't any names on the yeast packet other than RJ Spagnols. It did have an expiration date of 10/2008.

 

[vcasey]

I would be inclined to go with EC1118 (champagne yeast) as Joeswine suggests.
VC

 

[Wade E]

I would use either Red Star Premier Cuvee or Lalvin EC-1118 as these 2 yeasts have the ability to deal with high starting SG's and higher abv.

 

[smflyer]

Fantastic. I appreciate all of your help. So everything else in the kit should be fine?

 

[Wade E]

I bet all is good but the yeast but you could do a make a yeast starter with it and find out.
How-to: Yeast Starter

 

[Bert]

If the juice does not appear to be oxidized , it will be fine....the clearing agent maybe a problem, I would replace that and the yeast as stated above...Good Luck and go for it...

 

[smflyer]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate your help.