"Scott Lindner" > wrote in message
. ..
>> Scott - I'm no fan of red wine kits (white wine kits make pretty good
>> wine). It will be hard to produce a proper tasting Cabernet without using
>> whole grapes and a fermentation scheme that includes primary fermentation
>> in contact with the skins.
>
> Grrrr..... I asked this precise question before buying wine making
> equipment. I asked if I can make good red wines of the same quality I
> enjoy today. The answer was an overwhelming yes. It's not your fault,
> but long

I've made several red wine kits - Cabernet, Valpolicella, and Merlot.
They're all fine, and I'm very happy with them.
My next kit will be Zinfandel.
I live in Maine so fresh grapes are out of the question. I'd have to drive
many miles into New York State by Lake Erie to get fresh grapes or juice.

You mentioned that the wine tastes thin. I'm wondering if you may have
added too much water to top off the carboy during racking.