WineXpert WE Cabernet Sauvignon

[rrawhide]

Howdy


I have a we cab sauv kit I started 6/20/07 and has been bulk aging ever since. Tasted it from time to time and it sure tastes kinda thin and flat. What can I do, at theis point, to kick it up a notch? Can I add some red wine concentrate (how much) and some heavy toast american oak chips and leave for another month or should I just bottle and see how it comes out? Any suggestions?
Thanx
rrawhide

 

[PeterZ]

rrawhide, don't add the red wine concentrate as it is unfermented concentrate. You would back-sweeten. You can try more oak - I think most of the kits are a little light in this department.

How big was the kit? In my experience the 10L kits just don't offer the flavor of the 16L and all juice kits.

 

[rrawhide]

Hi PeterZ



This is the 15L Wine Expert Selection Cabernet Sauvignon
kit. I did add about 3 oz of American Heavy Toast Oak Chips and 2
grams of acid blend.

I guess I will let it sit for another month and then bottle - Do you
think this is ok or should I let bulk longer? Thanx for your
comeback.

rrawhide

 

[PeterZ]

I don't think it will make much difference whether you bulk or bottle age it. It might taste a little unbalanced due to your additions, prompting the "thin" taste. Over time I'll bet the fruit will develop complexity and the oakiness will receed.