Favorite Red Wine Kit and How much?

[REISSUE60]

What is your favorite Red Wine Kit and how much was it? Was the process easy? Did it taste as good or better than store bought be honest! My first batch was a Vinefera Noble Pinot Noir and it was horrible. I did everything that was said to do (other than give it time)! I think I rushed it. Well "tested" a gallon of it before I even got to bottle. I was excited I guess. It had a funky smell to it though. Almost like it never got done fermenting even though all the numbers matched. My wife never would drink it because of the smell. It tasted fine after a glass or two. It was extremely clear also. It had a beautiful finish. Just smelled terrible.

 

[kevinlfifer]

For me hands down the RJS Super Tuscan. $140 with shipping. Just follow the directions. When in doubt if a wine is ready for the next step, wait. Time is your friend.

I have made only one kit that I don't care for WE VR Cab Sav.

I've made a bunch of Paklab kits (with tweaks) that I really like. Many in the forum do not like the Paklab kits. They do drink earlier than many kits.

My bet is you got impatient. You will read over and over in the forum how a wine improved over time.

 

[TonyP]

You'll get a lot of positive comments on RJS Super Tuscan and it's my favorite, as well. It's as easy as any red you'll find and you won't have any problems if you're thoughtful. In overall terms, buying kits is like buying the wine: you get what you pay for. Buying a cheap kit is like, well you know. Stick with premium quality kits.

A word of caution, though. If you make it now and want a good result, don't expect to drink much of it this year. My suggestion is a bottle every two weeks (beginning in September) so you'll appreciate aging.

 

[jswordy]

a word of caution, though. If you make it now and want a good result, don't expect to drink much of it this year. My suggestion is a bottle every two weeks (beginning in september) so you'll appreciate aging.

A bottle every two weeks????!!!! Yer killing me, Tony!!!!

 

[TonyP]

A bottle every two weeks????!!!! Yer killing me, Tony!!!!

Not if you had 14 kits. Actually that's quicker than most folks who don't touch their wine for a year or more.

 

[deboard]

Of the kits I've made so far, the CC Showcase Old Vine Zinfandel is my favorite. A close second is actually the SS International Barolo, which is surprising since it is the only non-grapeskin kit I've made with any aging on it.

Now I have a CC Showcase Red Mountain Trio, En Primeur Chilean Merlot, and SS International Tempranillo aging, so in about a year I might have a new favorite, who knows?

I haven't made the super tuscan though, I need to get that on my list based on all the rave reviews.

 

[Bartman]

A bottle every two weeks????!!!! Yer killing me, Tony!!!!

Jim, that's one bottle of that kit every two weeks. Like Tony said, get 13 more kits started and you'll be okay - for about 60 weeks!

 

[abefroman]

No, no no, you're all wrong, the best red wine kit is the MMM Barolo. (I believe someone (Wade) mentioned this was Geocorn's favorite as well)

Its not cheap but considering the time your going to put into it, plus that fact that it will be 2 years before you bottle it, its worth the extra money.