WineXpert Would you buy a kit 1 year old?

[geek]

I went to a HBS place that I've never been to, very nice people, nice store and lots of wine "toys".

I saw an Italian Amarone Selection International on sale for $99.
That kit is 18L with grape skins pack. It is I think a high end kit and runs for a MUCH higher price.

Checked the barcode on the box and based on julian calendar it was made on August 1, 2012, posting pic soon.

I was tempted to just get it at such a low price, but wanted to double check because of the manufactured date.

 

[geek]

Here's the barcode picture.
213=Aug 1.

 

[WI_Wino]

Buy it and some extra yeast. It'll turn out great. I have a grenache aging that when started the kit was about a year old as well. Tastes great so far.

 

[LoneStarLori]

I wouldn't hesitate, but I'm a bargain hunter. I figure I can always adjust what's not right.

 

[vernsgal]

I've bought a few kits over the 1 year mark and they've all turned out fine. Buy it. If you can nab 2

 

[cmason1957]

Without a doubt. In fact I did just that thing about six months ago a WE petite syrah zinfandel kit. It tastes and smells wonderful.

 

[joshs]

I definitely would buy it. In fact, if you don't buy it please tell me the name of the place as I would like to buy it. Did they have any others on sale?

-Josh

 

[SouthernChemist]

Unless there's physical damage to the sealed back of juice/concentrate and the grape pack, I think it would okay except for the yeast packet. That might be past it's 'best by' date. It's a good price considering you don't have to worry about any shipping.

 

[salcoco]

I would replace the sorbate and KMeta that comes with the kit. if these products are over a year old their usage is questionable. Make sure the yeast is hydrated correctly to insure it is viable. otherwise go for it.

 

[wineh]

I wouldn't hesitate. I was at my local retailer yesterday. They had a leftover WE LE Italian Nebbiolo w/grapeskins (the one with the low start SG). I bought it at a good price, and likely won't get to it until Feb. or March next year. Often the yeast has a 2 year expiry date.

 

[Tess]

Well, did you go back and get it? lol

 

[Brew and Wine Supply]

I markdown all my close to/expired kits, if they don't sell after a while I take them home and make them. Check the date on the yeast, everything else should be fine.

 

[WI_Wino]

I markdown all my close to/expired kits, if they don't sell after a while I take them home and make them. Check the date on the yeast, everything else should be fine.

Doug - any chance those markdowns get posted to your website?

 

[geek]

the yeast had been in the box with the other chems, so it is over a year too.
I saw a couple other varietal, I think Tempranillo and 2 others but don't remember exactly.

$99 is certainly a great price knowing that I wouldn't pay shipping...

 

[bkisel]

This is info I got from RJS when called about shelf life...

RJ Spagnol's Epirations...



Vino del Vida and Orchard Breezin’ brands a 24-month expiration from the box date.

Grand Cru products have an 18-month expiration.

ALL the rest of the wine kits have a 12 month shelf life starting from the box date.


If the dates are beyond this, even a bit, I will ask for a discount or pass and get something fresher.

 

[Brew and Wine Supply]

Doug - any chance those markdowns get posted to your website?

Just went through and posted them, look for the markdowns!
Gee you guys are making me work, also found a bunch of kits I have not gotten up on the site yet.. will be working on that today.

 

[geek]

I called Winexpert in Canada and spoke to a woman who needed to put me on hold to find out and she said "We're told that the shelf life is 1 year and it is up to you to make the purchase...."

Go figure.......

..

 

[Brew and Wine Supply]

i called winexpert in canada and spoke to a woman who needed to put me on hold to find out and she said "we're told that the shelf life is 1 year and it is up to you to make the purchase...."

go figure.......

..

cya....

 

[geek]

LOL, but the local HBS told me it is just fine.

BTW - The sale is $110, I made a mistake....::

 

[bkisel]

cya....

Yeah, I believe you're right. Probably could safely double what the vendors are telling us.

It does seem to make sense though that the smaller kits being more concentrated would have a longer shelf life. Believe I read an article someplace about concentrate being or having a preservative of some sort.