I used lalvin EC-1118 with my first batch of apfelwein, so I'm not a professional...yet...so from a first timer who reads allot first, it could have been the juice I used, or any # of things, but mine turned out very un-apple tasting...I have read on here in a few spots that the EC-1118 can strip the fruity flavors out of your batches...so just a heads up on what I have found...but, of course, YMMV.
I've got everything to start up two more batches, except the yeasts...I'm going to look for the Montrachet and some Nottinghams I think...hopefully I can find them around here.
good luck.