Old wine kit - should I change the yeast?

[dracunculus]

For various reasons I've ended up with a Wineworks wine kit that I bought around 9 months ago and I haven't had a chance to ferment until now. It's been in a reasonably cool place since I bought it and as the bag is sealed I'm assuming (or hoping!) the grape juice will be OK. I was wondering of I should use a different yeast though as all the yeast all the yeast I've bought before has a fairly short shelf life.

If so it's a Cabernet Sauvignon type wine - any suggestions as to what yeast I should use.

 

[tonyhibbett]

A sealed packet of cultured yeast has has a long shelf life. Try it. It will probably be ok. The concentrate will be fine.

 

[Brewtrog]

Make a quick starter with the yeast - get a cup (bout 100-200mls) of lukewarm water with a tsp of sugar dissolved into it and stir in the yeast, leave it covered for 15mins, if it's frothing it's fine.