Make 28–30 bottles of Winexpert's premium Reserve tier. The Winexpert Reserve California Enigma kit uses 10L of hand-selected grape concentrate and is ready to bottle in 6 weeks, delivering a smooth, medium-full red with black fruit, spice and vanilla.
Tasting Notes
Smooth black fruit, spice, and vanilla with light-medium oak. Enigma lives up to its name — a proprietary blend designed to be rounded and easy-drinking without giving away the exact grapes behind it. A great everyday red or an easy conversation starter.
Wine Profile
- Style: Dry, medium-full-bodied red
- Oak: Light-medium
- Alcohol: approx. 13%
- Grape concentrate: 10L | Makes 23L (28–30 bottles)
What Equipment Do You Need?
A 23-litre fermentation vessel, airlock, hydrometer, siphon, and 28–30 bottles. New to winemaking? Our wine starter kits bundle all essentials. Always sanitise with VWP or ChemSan for best results.
Upgrading your yeast: for a smooth, rounded style like this, try Mangrove Jack's CR51, bred for fruit-forward reds meant for early drinking — a good match for Enigma's easy-drinking character.
Fermentation Timeline
Week 1–3: Primary fermentation at 20–22°C for reds.
Week 4–5: Add finings and allow to clear.
Week 6: Bottle and age for 2–3 months before drinking.
Tips for Best Results
- Keep temperature stable at 20–22°C — consistency matters more with Reserve's extra concentrate
- This style is drinkable young but softens nicely with a couple of months' bottle age
- Allow wines to clear completely before bottling
- Age for minimum 2–3 months before drinking
See all Winexpert Reserve wines. Browse all wine kits at BrewCo.