WineXpert Selection Estate Series = Eclipse?

[geek]

Is this what the Eclipse series came from?

 

[geek]

And do they have grape skins pack?
This is a left over kit from last year.

 

[richmke]

I made a SE Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel. Shortly thereafter, the Eclipse Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel came out, and the SE was discontinued.

The SE was a 16 liter kit. The Eclipse is an 18 liter kit and includes grape skins.

I would say same parentage, but a little better.

 

[SouthernChemist]

Yes, the Estate line is the predecessor of the current Eclipse line. As pointed out, the Eclipse kits are larger and contain grape skins for most of the reds. All Estate kits were 16L with no skins. WE also made some changes to their production process of the kits. I don't know if anyone has made a direct comparison between an Estate wine and an Eclipse wine (yet), but in general the Eclipse kits will be a little better.

And based on the date code (0501312), that kit is almost 2 years old.

 

[wineh]

. I don't know if anyone has made a direct comparison between an Estate wine and an Eclipse wine (yet), but in general the Eclipse kits will be a little better.

I have made both the SE stag's leap merlot, SE Lodi ranch cab, and the Eclipse versions of both. I thought that both eclipse products were as good as the predecessors, but at an earlier age. I don't know what the long term result will be as the Eclipse products are barely a year old now. I have in fact liked all of WE's grapeskin products, with the possible exception of the Argentine Malbec.
I would like to note that, in the older product guide the Estate series kits were marketed as" 100% varietal juice and or concentrate with no added sugar". The eclipse kits make no such claim.