The rewards and frustrations of home winemaking

Monthly archive: 01 2010

Brunello 17-month tasting

It’s not quite a year and half yet, but I thought it was a good time to give the Brunello another taste to see how it’s progressing. Still a weird soapy aroma, with light fruit and spice. Good flavors, coming together nicely;ย  no soapiness on the tongue, though.ย  Slightly tart and tangy, rich fruit, cedar, […]

Racking Primitivo and Petite Sirah Sludge

The primitivo has been settling out since October, so it seemed like time to poke at it.ย  I like to splash rack my wine that is bulk aging in carboys at least once to try to give it a little oxygenation while it’s hanging out. The primi has become wonderfully clear already, a lovely purple-ruby […]

First wine — two and a half years later

We opened the 2007 “Overlook Heights” Cabernet-merlot tonight, the first wine I made.ย  Two and a half years later, this wine has come together really nicely.ย  Very smooth, no more foam!ย  Yummy aromas of dark fruit and cocoa, with juicy flavors of plum, black cherry, and blueberry with hints of spice and milk chocolate.ย  Unfortunately, […]