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Brewing Discussions => Cider, Perry, Wine & Mead => Topic started by: LordEoin on February 03, 2014, 08:48:03 PM

Title: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: LordEoin on February 03, 2014, 08:48:03 PM
Well, during the week I got a text message from M'lady saying "you've got a huge package".. giggidy!
What she meant was that there was a giant cardboard box delivered with my name on it  ;D

This review is on the contents of that box, a Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 bottle kit with equipment from Geterbrewed.com (http://www.geterbrewed.com). Thanks GetErBrewed! :-*
Here is the kit: http://www.geterbrewed.com/sadlers-reserve-12-bottle-kits (http://www.geterbrewed.com/sadlers-reserve-12-bottle-kits). It costs £49.95/€58.94.
I sounds a bit pricy for 12 bottles, but you actually get a whole lot of stuff in the box...

So, lets start with the equipment. Included is:
It's all very good, high quality stuff. The buckets are strong, the seals are good, there's enough tubing to hang a horse, enough sanitiser for 10 uses.
The only downside I can see is that I had to widen the tap hole on the primary by about 1-2mm to fit the tap easily, and there's no metal handle for moving.
(http://i.imgur.com/HPLmfIT.jpg)

All of the equipment was packed into the FV, and all of the ingredients were in the secondary which was sealed and zip-tied in a strong plastic bag.
The contents of the 13 liter bucket:

I'm impressed by the ingredients, they seem to have all bases covered and the only thing you need to add is the water.
I'll try to get the instructions scanned if I can.
(http://i.imgur.com/ZXllztc.jpg)

So.. Time to sanitise and get this party started! :)
The instructions are very clear. Sanitise, add juice, top to 10.5liters with tap water, stir for 5 minutes, add yeast, ferment at 18-22C for 7-12 days.

The sanitiser is no-rinse. Add 25grams to 5 liters water, stir to dissolve, wipe down all the surfaces and soak the bits n bobs, leave it for 10 minutes.
There's no smell at all from the sanitiser.

It took no time at all to get everything together. The longest part was the 5 minutes of stirring.
The must is  OG1.092 and tastes great, so we're on the right track :)
I thought that having no handle on the bucket might be a problem, but it was fine. The bucket is solid out and there are good sized handles built into the rim.

I've it all set to do its thing and it is rigged to heat to and stay at 20C
(http://i.imgur.com/4PXGEzs.jpg)

I'll report back in 7-12 days when it's time to stabilize and clear it :)

Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: @geterbrewed on February 03, 2014, 09:40:58 PM
Thanks Eoin, looks great so far, we keep the hole for the tap at 25mm to ensure no leaks, the taps will go in with a bit of elbow grease.

These premiere wine kits are truly impressive, we show cased the red wine at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast yesterday and the feedback was first class.

These are the best red wine kits that we have made and think they are going to bring a whole new generation to homebrewing wine.
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: LordEoin on February 03, 2014, 10:06:15 PM
Cheers
It went in with a bit of force alright, but to save damaging the threads on the tap i was more comfortable just boring the hole out a bit more as I find the important part for a good seal is the rubber ring on the tap end. Having the tap fit too tight can reduce the pressure on it.
Otherwise though, I'm very happy with the way things went and I'm sure it will be a great quality wine :)

Edit:
24 hours in  - arrived home and she's bubbling away like a champ, temperature steady just below 20C
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: @geterbrewed on February 10, 2014, 08:31:37 PM
I have been working my way through the Sadlers Reserve Range ( it's a hard job at times lol) and to date my favourite has got to be the Cabernet Sauvignon. It is only recently bottled and already one of the nicest home brew wines I have ever tasted.

http://www.geterbrewed.com/sadlers-reserve-cabernet-sauvignon-premium-wine-kit

These wine kits are really going to shake up the home wine making scene in a huge way, it is shocking the quality of wine produced with these kits for only £1.93/€2.32 a bottle, it is slightly more expensive than some home brew wine kits but its really worth it, I believe if you make a Sadlers Reserve wine kit  you'll be genuinely impressed and its pure grape juice, no additives, just the way it should be.
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: LordEoin on February 11, 2014, 02:06:47 AM
Christ! I suppose you'll have to send me one of those too...  8)
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: @geterbrewed on February 11, 2014, 09:16:09 PM
Quote from: LordEoin on February 11, 2014, 02:06:47 AM
Christ! I suppose you'll have to send me one of those too...  8)
LOL, you'll be back for another when your Merlot/Shiraz is ready, if they are this good now I'm excited to see what they are like with some time in the bottle
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: LordEoin on February 11, 2014, 10:21:37 PM
By the way.. are there 12 bottle refills?
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: @geterbrewed on February 12, 2014, 11:53:44 AM
Quote from: LordEoin on February 11, 2014, 10:21:37 PM
By the way.. are there 12 bottle refills?
There is now, just updated them to provide an option without the equipment; http://www.geterbrewed.com/sadlers-reserve-new-wine-kits
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: LordEoin on February 14, 2014, 11:23:11 PM
Day 11 - Feb 14th - Racking &Stabilizing

Bubbling stopped a few days ago, so I cracked on with stabilizing and beginning the clearing.
It was very quick and easy.
Just sanitize the little bucket and rack the wine into it off the lees. The yeast is nicely settled
Clean and sanitize the fv
Pour the wine back into the FV
Add sachet B(potassium sorbate and potassium metabisulphite) and stir for 2 minutes.
Add sachet C(kieselsol), and stir vigorously for 5 minutes to degas it.
Close her up and leave it for 24 hours somewhere cool

(http://i.imgur.com/ec516bR.png)

Day 12 - Feb 15th - Add Finings
The FG is 0.994
It smells great.
Lovely dark colour.
Already tastes better than many bottles of red wine I've bought in the past
Waste not, want not. I poured the trial jar into a glass to have a taste.
Even at this stage, straight out of primary, i'd be happy to pay 5-6 euro a bottle from tesco.
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: LordEoin on February 22, 2014, 08:30:51 PM
Day 19 - Feb 22
The finings did a great job, dropping out any remaining yeast and other cloudiness as gunk and fibers (looks almost like bits of hair)
I bottled this today and got about a half glass less than 12 bottles. I just topped that bottle up with boiled water.
(http://i.imgur.com/wnUD8Wh.jpg)

Time to try one out and see if it's a keeper
(http://i.imgur.com/Ejwm1CG.jpg)

It's  got nice flavour, no nasty yeasty notes.
You can get a hint of cherry from the merlot and blackberry from the shiraz, slight vanilla which is common to both. There's a slight apple flavour from it, but that's most likely due to it being so young.
The colour is more on the shiraz side, a bit darker than a typical merlot.
it's still a bit cloudy, but that should settle out with time.

Overall, a nice bottle of plonk.
I'll let the rest of them age for 6 months before I start into them, and check in again then
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: @geterbrewed on April 03, 2014, 07:24:19 PM
We are really excited with this range it is genuinely shaking up the home wine making scene and are pleased to be adding to the range, check out the new wines added to the range;

http://www.geterbrewed.com/sadlers-reserve-wine-kits-30-bottle/

We have a whole new generation of folk coming into the home wine making scene, it is possible to make fine wine at home at a fraction of the price of shop bought wine.
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: LordEoin on April 03, 2014, 07:42:40 PM
I tried one of these over the weekend out of curiosity.
No off flavours at all. Not too dry but not sweet, nicely balanced.
It's a better bottle of wine than many i've bought over the years and unless you're a big wine buff I don't think you'd know the difference if it was presented with a fancy label  ;)
I'm not a huge wine drinker, I cook with it more. But these ones will be reserved for drinking and sharing. Too good to end up in the slow cooker!
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: @geterbrewed on April 04, 2014, 01:45:31 PM
Quote from: LordEoin on April 03, 2014, 07:42:40 PM
I tried one of these over the weekend out of curiosity.
No off flavours at all. Not too dry but not sweet, nicely balanced.
It's a better bottle of wine than many i've bought over the years and unless you're a big wine buff I don't think you'd know the difference if it was presented with a fancy label  ;)
I'm not a huge wine drinker, I cook with it more. But these ones will be reserved for drinking and sharing. Too good to end up in the slow cooker!

It's great to see these kits are getting the attention they deserve, the new wine kits in the range include white wines that ferment from 16 degrees and the new pinot grigio rose is actually made with Pinot Grigio pure grape juice and red grape skins, I think this is another first in home wine making, the rose is going to be a huge hit!

I'm excited to see what the reds will be like given some time to age in the bottle if they are this good already
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: MisterBurns on August 22, 2014, 12:39:57 PM
Hey LordEoin,

How did these turn out?
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: LordEoin on August 22, 2014, 04:43:51 PM
Quote from: LordEoin on April 03, 2014, 07:42:40 PM
I tried one of these over the weekend out of curiosity.
No off flavours at all. Not too dry but not sweet, nicely balanced.
It's a better bottle of wine than many i've bought over the years and unless you're a big wine buff I don't think you'd know the difference if it was presented with a fancy label  ;)
I'm not a huge wine drinker, I cook with it more. But these ones will be reserved for drinking and sharing. Too good to end up in the slow cooker!
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: Hefeman on September 06, 2014, 11:41:48 PM
@LordEoin,

I'm thinking about trying a wine kit. Would you recommend buying the kit 'with equipment' for someone who already has all the beer brewing gear (30L FVs, sanitiser, airlocks, tubing etc.)? It seems like I have most of the equipment already but not sure if it there is something else I would need that is specific to wine.

HM.
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: molc on September 07, 2014, 12:47:12 AM
I did one of the kits there recently with my own equipment with no issues. The red wine is a bit of a pain to clean out of the plastic fermenter as it seems to really get into the surface, but other than that everything was fine and I did my next beer in it with no issues.
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: Hefeman on September 07, 2014, 01:43:54 PM
Thanks for the info, so just a wine corker and good to go?
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: molc on September 07, 2014, 03:32:53 PM
I actually got a 10 litre vino trainer and just siphoned into that, which saved all hassle. If the wine turns out well, I'll probably bottle with screw caps next time.
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: LordEoin on September 07, 2014, 09:36:33 PM
screwcaps are a godsend, but if you're getting a cheap corker i'd go with the twin handle like this one http://geterbrewed.ie/twin-lever-metal-wine-corker.html (http://geterbrewed.ie/twin-lever-metal-wine-corker.html)
and synthetic corks
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: @geterbrewed on September 08, 2014, 10:24:58 PM


Thanks LordEoin for recommending a great corker, better value at Get 'er Brewed; http://geterbrewed.ie/twin-lever-metal-wine-corker.html
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: LordEoin on September 08, 2014, 10:38:25 PM
A bit cheaper alright. Link updated.

I've never had any problem with this corker apart from the corks not going fully into the bottle.
I just cut off any overhang with a sharp knife.
That's one of the reasons I recommend the synthetic corks.
Synthetic corks also avoid any problems with wine seeping out and moldy corks.
And you can condition them upright because you don't need to keep the cork wet.
You can also sanitize them in your favorite chemical without them soaking it up.

I'm a fan of synthetic corks!  :-*
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: molc on September 08, 2014, 10:40:23 PM
From the Rebel county, thought you'd only be a fan of the Real Cork boys ;) *hides*
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: LordEoin on September 08, 2014, 10:42:00 PM
*sigh*

I'm so gonna backslap you if I ever meet you Molc...  ;D
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: molc on September 09, 2014, 08:47:15 AM
My work here is done >:)
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: Hefeman on September 15, 2014, 12:31:06 AM
Thanks all for the feedback, I ordered the 12 bottle Cabernet Sauvignon kit with synthetic corks & corker. If it goes well I'll go large on the next batch :)
For longer term storage (> 6 months) what are you guys doing for temperature control? Is a wine 'cellar' required/recommended? Without this temperatures in my home might be < 10C in the winter nights and > 20C in the summer/autumn. Just wondering if it matters much in reality or if I need to buy more equipment.
Assuming the quality of the finished bottle is good, spending on temperature control equipment should pay for itself before long but obviously only want to do this if it is really needed.
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: molc on September 15, 2014, 08:29:53 AM
I just throw it into the garage and let nature take its course. It's my first wine kit though, so no idea of the impact long term
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: MisterBurns on September 15, 2014, 10:33:14 AM
Tasted my first bottle of the 30 bottle kit this weekend and I was impressed. Bottled it in March and threw them out in the shed - almost forgot about them until we were moving house last weekend!
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: Hefeman on September 16, 2014, 09:25:42 PM
Quote from: molc on September 07, 2014, 12:47:12 AM
I did one of the kits there recently with my own equipment with no issues. The red wine is a bit of a pain to clean out of the plastic fermenter as it seems to really get into the surface, but other than that everything was fine and I did my next beer in it with no issues.

Just read the instructions which recommend using a 12L carboy and expressly recommends not using a large fermentation bucket due to extra O2 in the headspace. Any recommendations on whether this really matters or where to buy a small fermenter like this?
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: LordEoin on September 17, 2014, 12:11:11 AM
it wont matter while t's fermenting, but a smaller container would be good for stabilizing and fining because it won't be kicking off all that co2
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: Hefeman on September 17, 2014, 11:47:08 AM
Maybe I can find a big 'brick' to reduce the volume in my 30L bucket...  ??? I'm half joking, half serious here. Maybe I can find an airtight stainless steel container or food grade plastic for example and fill it with water. Seems a waste to buy something for just one fermentation as I'll go with the larger kit next time if this works out well.
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: LordEoin on September 17, 2014, 11:59:46 AM
save yourself the heartache and spend the fiver on a plastic bucket
http://www.alpack.ie/VC102_20_Litre_Bucket_Sold_Individually/Default.574.html (http://www.alpack.ie/VC102_20_Litre_Bucket_Sold_Individually/Default.574.html)
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: Hefeman on September 24, 2014, 01:16:19 PM
Quote from: LordEoin on September 17, 2014, 11:59:46 AM
save yourself the heartache and spend the fiver on a plastic bucket
http://www.alpack.ie/VC102_20_Litre_Bucket_Sold_Individually/Default.574.html (http://www.alpack.ie/VC102_20_Litre_Bucket_Sold_Individually/Default.574.html)

@LordEoin,

Thanks for the suggestion but with shipping a 4 euro bucket becomes a 16 euro bucket!
Been thinking about this and figure my best bet is either 10L or 15L from HBC as shipping will be free when combined with an order.

The only question is whether the 12 btl kit will fit in a 10L bucket or if I should get the 15L? My guess is that 9L output plus trub would be a bit tight for 10L?

https://www.thehomebrewcompany.ie/10-litre-fermentation-vessel-p-1055.html (https://www.thehomebrewcompany.ie/10-litre-fermentation-vessel-p-1055.html)
https://www.thehomebrewcompany.ie/15-litre-fermentation-vessel-p-1056.html (https://www.thehomebrewcompany.ie/15-litre-fermentation-vessel-p-1056.html)
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: LordEoin on September 24, 2014, 03:51:44 PM
I'd probably go for the 15l bucket.
That's what I have and it worked fine
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: Hefeman on September 27, 2014, 11:16:35 PM
Probably going to start on this kit tomorrow. Guess I'll ferment in one of my 30L beer fermenter buckets then rack to my 15L bucket. For bottling should I pour it back into the larger bucket which is drilled for a tap or should I drill a hole in the 15L bucket for a tap?
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: LordEoin on September 28, 2014, 12:07:09 AM
I think i siphoned it back into the primary bucket to get it off the stuff the finings dropped out, then bottled from there.
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: Hingo on September 30, 2014, 01:36:38 PM
Just ordered a 30 bottle kit of this myself to have ready for Xmas, my dad is the wine buff so I'll let him be the judge come the day. He used to make wine himself back in the day but always ended up with vinegar (stupid flies always managed to find a way....) Hopefully when he tries this he might get inspired to give it another go.  It'll be my first wine venture (unless you count mead) and this thread is very comprehensive on the steps taken over the few weeks.

Great thread & review.
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: Hefeman on October 12, 2014, 03:10:34 PM
I'm at the 'Day 25 Final Polish' stage. I poured in the remaining Chitosan and 'stirred' using a whisk attached to a power drill. The instructions are very good but there are a few inconsistencies. At the Final Polish stage it says "The wine will quickly clear however the complete cleaning process can take a week or more", however this is 'Day 25' and bottling is titled 'Day 28' implying that 3 days is all that is required, not 'a week or more'. I would appreciate some advice on how long to leave it before bottling. I had a small taste and would equate it to LordEoin's sample at this point , similar to a cheap supermarket wine. I'm optimistic about this being well drinkable in a few months time.

Another inconsistency I noticed was a Fermentation Temp of 18C in the 'Specifications' but then in the middle it says fermentation temp is 18-24 and red wines are usually fermented at higher temps (mine is a Cabernet Savignon). I fermented at 20C using a RaspPi controller.
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: Hefeman on October 20, 2014, 12:00:10 AM
OK so I bottled the 12 btl Cab Savignon tonight. It tasted like plonk as expected, probably no point getting into tasting notes at this stage but what concerns me is that I racked from primary FV (33L) to secondary (15L) and today I racked to a bottling bucket, what was left behind at the bottom of the secondary looked just like what I syphoned into the bottles. I didn't see anything that looked to me like 'lees' at the bottom, from what I read I was expecting the finings to cause unsavoury bits to drop out making them visible on the bottom.

I thought i followed the instructions fairly closely but perhaps I missed something? Any thoughts appreciated. Meanwhile I'll keep them bottled for  few months and we'll see how it goes!

Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: Qs on February 04, 2015, 01:54:13 PM
LordEoin I was wondering how these turned out in the end? Wanted to brew up a wine kit before summer to have for friends at BBQs and that. How did a bit of age work out for these bottles?
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: LordEoin on February 04, 2015, 02:08:53 PM
Age didn't seem to do much for them.
The wine is nice but a little thin.
It's very drinkable and goes well with food.
I mainly use it for sangria and cooking.
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: Qs on February 04, 2015, 03:10:19 PM
Right might try a different one so. I've just bottled a Kenridge Classic Shiraz myself and I'd say it has similar issues with thinness.
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: molc on February 04, 2015, 03:46:53 PM
Thinness is the same issue I have with the Cab from Sadlers. Still on the lookout for a kit that makes a more full bodied wine. I don't mind if it's more costly as long as the quality is there.
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: Qs on February 04, 2015, 05:29:39 PM
I was looking around and the more expensive kits seem to have a good bit more concentrate so logic would follow that they aren't as thin. I'm considering just grabbing one of the Sadlers kits and brewing it a bit short in the hopes of getting more body but less wine. Not sure I'm ready to fork out €100 on a wine kit yet.
Title: Re: [Review] Sadlers Reserve Merlot Shiraz 12 btl with equipment, geterbrewed
Post by: LukeH on February 21, 2015, 12:07:48 PM
I made the 30 bottle version of this kit back in august - Thought it turned out very well but benefits from time in the bottle. I oaked a demijohn of it for 4 weeks and bottled it yesterday - found it to be an improvement on the unoaked bottles.

Also, lessons I learned were to buy a degasser wand and degas properly as some bottles had excess CO2 which affected the drinkability.

I will definitely make the kit again with the intention of keeping back 75% of the bottles for 2-3 years.