"Aaron Puhala" > wrote in message
...
> When you say they haven't been keeping well, what do you mean?
>

When 1 to 2 years old they tend to be very fruity and nicely ballanced.
After 2 years they start developing an off taste. I cannot specify what
type of taste it is, just that it is not especially pleasant. It gets worse
with time. I am not sure if it is something I have done, an infection that
only shows up after 2 years, or what.

Ray


>
> "Ray" > wrote in message
> ...
> > The last few years I have been trying to extend my maceration and
waiting
> > until the cap truly falls. I have been letting it go for 20+ days. I
> have
> > been getting glorious color extraction and have been happy with the
wines
> > when young (18 mo's) but they have not been keeping well beyond 2-3
years.
> > I wonder if this is because I left them too long.
> >
> > I have not been using inert gas but I have been laying a layer of sarane
> > wrap over the surface to keep air contact to a minimum when the cap
starts
> > dropping. Like I say, no sign of oxidation when it becomes drinkable
but
> it
> > has not been keeping well.
> >
> > Just a comment. Any opinions would be welcome.
> >
> > Ray