WineXpert Eclipse Stags Leap Merlot

[GaDawg]

I label and capsule my wine, just because I like it. The labels that I use are easy to remove.

 

[scram]

I don't knock anyone that goes the distance to make an absolutely finished product... I just can't do it. I despise removing labels

 

[jgmann67]

I did capsules last night and cleaned up the bottles a little (had some overflow during bottling). Then back on the rack till we label. Don't want to wish away 2 months, but I can't wait to see this one evolve over time.

 

[jgmann67]

I have to go back and smooth the bubbles out of the labels, but kit #4 is resting nicely.

 

[barbiek]

Nice labels jg!

 

[scram]

Very nice!

 

[scram]

What label paper do you use? I believe you mentioned they're easy to remove. If that's the case I may do some labeling. I have a few great designs I've never used...

 

[sour_grapes]

Nice going! I am going to bottle mine, hopefully this weekend. My labels will NOT be anywhere as nice as yours!

 

[jgmann67]

I get the labels from online labels.com (OL475TC) for about $40 for 100 sheets (10 cents a label) and push them through a color laser printer.

Soak in hot water for about a half hour and they peel right off with no residue.

 

[sour_grapes]

Well, tonight was bottling night. The wine was really, really nice, but a little strange.

I had added some sacrificial tannins in primary, and 2.5 g Tannin Riche during bulk aging. This was in addition to the 90 gram oak they provided.

Upon bottling, it is a bit arresting. The initial tastes were cocoa, oak, vanilla..... It is neither old-world style or new world -- not at all fruity, yet no minerality, either. Very drinkable considering it is only a few months old!

 

[scram]

Thanks for the update! I'm working midnights this week. I'll probably bottle this weekend. Either that or I'll rack n wait another 3 months...

 

[Dutch]

Don't know if they are available where you live but I use removable labels from 'Herma':

Removed in a second.

 

[jgmann67]

Don't know if they are available where you live but I use removable labels from 'Herma':

Removed in a second.

That is a beautiful finished product.

 

[scram]

OK... After 6 1/2 months I've bottle this Merlot... Having a glass or two of the overage. Tasting real nice... Year from now should be excellent

 

[jgmann67]

OK... After 6 1/2 months I've bottle this Merlot... Having a glass or two of the overage. Tasting real nice... Year from now should be excellent

Mine have been bottled a month now. Going to wait to open the first 375ml. Sooo difficult.

 

[jgmann67]

So we polished off the Layer Cake Pinot and really wanted another glass of wine. So, we opened a small bottle of this merlot. In a word - wow! Still very young, but, it's pretty damned tasty.

 

[mforney12]

Just bought this kit have a little while to wait before I get it started ... But I'm very excited to make this kit ... Even more to taste it ... Now all I need is the time machine...

 

[wildvines]

I peaked at it this morning and the yeast is already building up a nice head of steam. Going to stir it and mash the sock o' grape skins when I get home tonight.



My primary temp was 72* F; and the OG after stirring in the oak and skins was 1.097. Fermenting down to 0.992 means an ABV slightly north of 14%. I'm happy with that.View attachment 22019

is that a cooling pad under your bucket?

 

[sour_grapes]

is that a cooling pad under your bucket?

Judging by the cord, I would say it is a heating pad. Not everyone lives in South Texas, you know!

 

[ceeaton]

is that a cooling pad under your bucket?

He lives about 20 or so miles from me and our wine rooms seem to stay about the same temperature, so I think if you go a few posts past that one you will see that his ambient temps were in the low 60's, so that's a heating pad, as his temp during ferment was in the low 70's.