RJ Spagnols Chilean trek

[Geronimo]

So I bought a kit recently and found out it was old (like 16 months old). The juice didn't seem quite right, so I asked for another kit (which I got, but it was just as old).

http://www.winemakingtalk.com/forum/f6/how-old-too-old-kit-31606/

Now it's fermented down to FG of 0.996 and the flavor is sort of interesting, but the aroma is almost zilch.

I can't find anyone that's done this kit.

 

[robie]

So I bought a kit recently and found out it was old (like 16 months old). The juice didn't seem quite right, so I asked for another kit (which I got, but it was just as old).

http://www.winemakingtalk.com/forum/f6/how-old-too-old-kit-31606/

Now it's fermented down to FG of 0.996 and the flavor is sort of interesting, but the aroma is almost zilch.

I can't find anyone that's done this kit.

Not much in the area of aroma for a kit wine that has just finished fermenting. That can take months/years to develop. Same with taste, except what taste there is will be very tart and green until the wine matures some.
I don't know what your experience is; have you done any other kits before?

 

[Putterrr]

We just bottled this kit on the weekend and our first impressions were very positive. The kit was from last years RQ series and I used Tim's 5-20-40-90 method. We also added 2-3 ounces of glycerin and about 1.5 ml of liquid oak. This is going to be very nice a year from now.

We also bottled the Hang Ten from the same RQ year and it was a bit harsh compared the trek. I think it may require more aging but time will tell. I have a 9 month old hang ten bulk aging so I will know in early july if that is the case.

Love this hobby

 

[Dugger]

I've also got the Trek and Hang Ten bulk aging, Ron. Hope to get bottled reasonably soon so it will be interesting to see if I get the same results regarding harshness. Perhaps the glycerin made the difference or did you add it to the hang ten as well?

 

[Geronimo]

That's good news. I've got high hopes for the Trek. It's an interesting blend, no doubt.

 

[Putterrr]

Hey Doug

Added it to both as is my practice but it is done on a taste test basis. Did not add any oak to the hang ten, the oak cubes were with that one. The Trek was difinately better than the hang ten at 90 days. Can't wait to taste the hang ten at 9 months

 

[Geronimo]

So we tasted an early bottle of the Chile Trek, and it's quite alright with only a slight bouquet. The flavors are nice, and I can see where it'll be a winner in a few months to a year+.

 

[ibglowin]

Always a good sign that things are progressing along.

 

[Geronimo]

Just an update; it's really unfortunate that RJS isn't keeping this kit in their line up. I just brought a bottle to a party and it was a huge hit with even the hardest-to-please wine tasters. It's already my wife's favorite. For me, it lacks the aroma I'd like from such a wine, but it sure is tasty. We just grabbed 2 new RJS RQ12 kits because this one is so good!

 

[tonyt]

G, I did the Toro from that same release and its 14 months old and fantastic. I did add raisins in primary and french oak spiral while aging. Actually we knew it was special at bottling last June. We are starting to drink it now and loving it.