The rewards and frustrations of home winemaking

Category archive: Uncategorized

Are You Awake in There?

It looks like the yeastie-beasties are at least alive in lot A, although it’s just kind of fizzing and most of the whole berries are sitting on the bottom of the bucket.  Lot B, though, was going nuts!  It was very vigorously fermenting and had already formed a distinct cap on top.  Yeast nutrient was […]

Starting Fermentation on Merlot Grapes

We did a cold maceration of the grapes for 48 hours, keeping them cold with additional dry ice.  Our juice was at a starting brix (sugar content) of 26 – this reading is on the high end of what you want for a good wine that’s not too hot or alcoholic.  I also checked titratable […]

Hey, Let’s Make Wine From Grapes!

This is what my friends said to me.  This guy Paul knew this other guy that makes wine and likes to share the grapes from this great vineyard in Sonoma with home winemakers.  So of course they thought of me when they found out they could get these killer grapes.  It also happens that I’m […]

One Year Plus Tasting of Cab Merlot

Still very foamy. Decanted, tasted shortly after decanting. Nose of sour cherry and herbs. Tart flavors of cherry, strawberry, raspberry with nicely integrated oak toastiness. Coming together very nicely.  Quite drinkable now, but I think time will make it even better.  It still tastes very young.

6 Month Tasting of La Jolla Cave Rhone Red

Opened for a party. Actually quite well developed, lovely deep, dark purple/black in color. Nice bouquet rich with fruits. A little sour, but flavors rich, velvety, and well balanced. Very happy with this one!

Bottling Sauvignon Blanc and Italian Brunello

To keep the cellar fully stocked, we *really* some sauvignon blanc.  This kit was touted as a quick-drinker, and I’ve been really happy with the lower-end white kits.  I bulk aged this wine an extra month (out of laziness and lack of time to bottle). I did have to filter this one, the low-end whites […]

Pacific Quartet is Soooo Gooood

We’re really plowing through the Pac quartet, it’s such a great summer wine, so refreshing.  I saw it marked down online, so it was a no-brainer to get another kit.  I wonder how long the second batch will last …..

Cab Merlot Tasting

VERY foamy. “Soapiness” mostly gone, nose predominately of red fruits, including bing cherry and plum. Very smooth flavors of cherry, strawberry, and raspberry, slightly tart but not overwhelming. Pretty long finish as well. Coming together very nicely, even if it is taking its time!

Australian Chardonnay Tasting

Finally ready, just in time for summer! Citrus and oak in the nose. Crisp, slightly tart flavors of green apple and pear with light butter notes. Very nicely balanced, great!

Riesling Tasting

Light floral nose. Very clear, pale golden yellow in color. Crisp, slightly sweet flavors of apple and white peach. Tastes GREAT! Yum!