"Gamey" taste/nose on Malbec and Carmenere

[Boatboy24]

I racked my Carmenere into the barrel over the weekend and sampled it, along with the Malbec. Both have a definite gamey nose and taste to them - the Malbec is much stronger. These were both juice buckets, that were "enhanced" with 18lbs of grapes.

I started them in May, so they are certainly still young, but I'm a little concerned. Any thoughts? Thanks.

Jim

 

[JohnT]

Can you better describe the "gamey" smell? Does it smell like burnt rubber or rotten eggs?

 

[Boatboy24]

No burnt rubber or rotten eggs. Interestingly, it reminded me of some of the Nortons I've had, only stronger.

EDIT: These were fermented on the skins for 8 days, then racked to secondary. I destemmed by hand, and had no leaves, stems, etc in the must. The Carmenere used RC212 and the Malbec, D254.

 

[JohnT]

Give it time, this should fade in about a year or two.