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You may want to blend and then bulk age to ensure the flavours integrate.

I found that my reds were very good but not always distinctive. On reflection most of my kits were Special Editions with Cab as the backbone. Great wine but I couldn't match wine to food or mood. To remedy this I went with the Eclipse varietals which tend to be distinctive and and some unique...

That is the worry but I did think the additives diminished over time.

I have done 6 Eclipse kits (all reds with juice pkgs) and they are pretty special. Our favorites are the Zinfandel and the Shiraz. I bottled a Cab yesterday that I started in March 2016. It is still a little harsh and could likely use another 6 months to a year In the bottle. I have not tried...

I did a batch of WE Sauvignon Blonc/ Semillion. I didn't test the SG and the wine turned out sweet. We like out wine bone dry. Therefore we have only used this for cooking or gifts (with people that like dry wine. ) I stabilized with sulfate and sorbate in January 2016. Has enough time passed so...

I was trying to get the same from my whites as my reds. However I realized I like a light refreshing white rather than a full bodied wine.

I find that comparable kits ( roughly the same volume and $'s ) are similar in quality. I look at Special Editions and pick what looks interesting without favoriting a company. However I have been really happy with the Eclipse kits.

I am really interested in a Pinot Noir but not sure which kit is the best. I really like the Eclipse kits but they do not have a wine skins pack. Tks for the updates on your kit. Sounds interesting. I'm also wondering why people don't use the sorbate.

I have done 6 different Eclipse kits. The Bravado and Cab are still in the carboys (1 yr plus). I think they are the best I have made. Previously I made almost exclusively the special releases. The Eclipse kits really produce distinctive wines but should not be rushed. The Zin is our favourite...

The kit probably is good for sometime after expiry. However I didn't watch expiry and had a white with a off taste. I ended up dumping it. Hopefully that won't happen to you. I'd chance it.

My Eclipse Zin is now 18 months old. It is our favorite wine. It was good from the start (after 5 months) bulk ageing and has never had any bitter taste. I have 3 other Eclipse kits bottled and 2 in carboys but the Vin is unique.

In aditition to having some kits quicker to mature bulk aging in a carboy can help with the discipline. Also I find most newbies give a lot of wine away. While being generous is a virtue I have found many people really don't appreciate homemade wine either due to a prejudice or believing it is...

I have been making wine since 2001. My advice is to make some mid priced (10 litre) kits and top end kits. The mid priced kits will mature quicker and hopefully allow you to actually age the top end kits. Once you have a good supply you can plan ahead and stick with the best kits.

What I had read 10 years ago was that bulk aging and bottle aging do different things. The bulk help blend and ensure a uniform taste and the bottle really integretes the flavours. I did a more recent search that suggests little difference except if one adjusts the wine. With this hobby I...

I have done 6 different Eclipse kits. I have the LE Grand Tuscan and Cab in Carboys about 1 year old. I have bottled the Zinfandel, Neb, Forsa (LE) and the Shiraz. They are all really good but the Zin is our favourite so far. I was making pretty well entirely Special Editions. While the whole...

I didn't really consider rose a serious wine until visiting rural France. My wife and I stayed in Sabel surrounded by vineyards. The Tourist/ Info centre also was a win tasting place with local wines. The roses were great late afternoon wines out on the balcony overlooking vineyards. I love...

I was wondering how much is optimal for aging in bulk vs. In the bottle. Also when you talk about how old the kit is do you mean from when it was clarified , stated or something else. I appreciate the feedback.

I top up with a good Bordeaux type wine e. g. Merlot, Cab or I did use Petite Verdot. That way you are not diluting and don't give access to air.

What do you mean by resanitize the oak cubes?

How does it compare to the Cab Eclipse kit? To other merlow kits?