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David129 ---- I started my Eclipse Stag Leap Merlot in 19 January. Initial SG was 1.093. By 5 Feb, SG was down to 0.0994, which was when I racked it. I added the Sulphite & Sorbates, stirred with a drill and put the wine pump on it. I continued degassing until 19 Feb, when I wasn't getting...

those ********* should spell out southern home brew

I don't know the laws in TN, but if you're looking for kit wines I recommend ****************.com. I buy a lot from them. Good prices and they always ship on time.

I believe Rocky nailed this one. His list is a good place to spend the $200. I would add one item after the carboys, stoppers and airlocks. Buy yourself a good wine kit to make with your new toys. Then continue purchasing the rest of the list. I only have 4 carboys and I told my wife today...

Macuser - Welcome to the forum. I have been doing kit wines for several years, and have used this forum to research questions I have about this & that. There is a lot of experience here & they will let you know their opinion. As you go thru the wine making process you will learn by...

I agree with Greg. I like to do kit wines and they produce very good wine, but sometimes you have to use your observations and taste buds to finish with a good wine. Try and let your wine rest in the carboy for a month or two and let gravity take over. I believe that after your 10th or 11th...

NashChik – I can only speak from experience. I have made the Lodi Ranch 11 Cab before and it was very good. I have also done the Pinot Noir and it’s my wife’s favorite. I started the Eclipse Stag’s Leap Merlot in Jan & it’s bulk aging now. I tasted it recently and it’s great. It really...

This is a pic of the Vacuvin

I am bulk aging my Eclipse Stags Leap Merlot I started in January. On 6 Feb I racked & then added the sulphite & sorbate, stirred with a drill for 5 minutes and then put the Vacuvin wine pumper on it. Got lots of bubbles. Next day I added the Chitosan & continued degassing with the pump. I...

Montresor I use a similar device; a $10 Vacuvin Wine Saver. After adding my sulphite & sorbate & stirring with a drill, I attach the stopper to a bung and put it on the carboy. I leave it on for 8 - 10 days and continually pump the gas out of the wine. There's a Utube video on the...

I agree. You need to rack it off those lee's and add your metabisulphate. Be sure to top off with similar wine or water.

Thanks all for the insight. I am going to bulk age for a few months. Ibglowin is right .. If it's not bottled then it's not such a great temptation to drink. I'll let you know how things turn out. Now I'm going to order more wine to make...,. I have 2 empty carboys so why not fill them!!!!!

I am bulk ageing an Eclipse Napa Valley Stag’s Leap District Merlot, one of the new kits out of WineXpert. I was thinking about bulk ageing it for 6 months, but was wondering if there was any benefit to it. It is clearing nicely now after beginning it 2 months ago and I stole a sip the other...

I'm fairly new at this, but I have used glass carboys for 2 years and haven't had any trouble. Ref degassing of the wine: I first stir with a hand drill and then use a "wine pump" attached to teh bung to create a vacuum to bring the CO2 out of the wine. The wine pump is the kind you buy to...

I too an making the Stag Leap Merlot. I have just finished a 3rd racking. I tasted the wine and it was smooth but the oak was starting to come through. I plan on bulk aging it for 2 more months then bottling it and trying it in November. Please let me know if anyone else has done this kit.