Box Wines
Bag-in-a-Box
Box wines are a lot cheaper than their bottled and corked counterparts, and are, as we have discovered, quite fine and drinkable. Since they're stored in bags inside cartons, these wines are also practical since they are easily portable and tend to stay fresh longer, ideal for picnics or parties. The same holds true for wines in a bag that are missing the box. One limitation, however, is that there is not a lot of range in the varietals offered; you're more likely to find Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay as opposed to Grenache or Viognier. Yet if packaging or selection is no object, then box wines can be a real value.
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TURNING LEAF
2009 California Chardonnay; $17 (3 L)
This 3-liter box version of Turning Leaf's California Chardonnay represents even greater value than the Modesto winery's bottled offerings. Light and fruity, it offers peach and pear flavors in the mouth with a hint of oak on the finish.
Tasting Notes on Turning Leaf 2009 Chardonnay |
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PINOT EVIL
Pinot Noir; $24 (3 L)
This offering from Octavin Home Wine Bar hails from the Ile de Beauté, otherwise known as Corsica. Winemakers Julian Halasz and Mario Pulido combine Old World and California winemaking techniques with a playful brand name to create a light-bodied Pinot Noir with ripe cherry flavors and a smooth finish.
Tasting Notes on Pinot Evil Pinot Noir
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R. MÜLLER
2009 Medium Sweet Riesling; $24 (3 L)
The Landwein Rhein region of Germany is known for its impressive, full-bodied Rieslings, and this 2009 Riesling is a great example. A nose of peaches and pears is echoed on the palate, finishing with a nice crispness. Try it with pasta in cream sauce, light seafood dishes or Asian cuisine.
Tasting Notes on R. Müller 2009 Riesling |
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CLIF FAMILY WINERY
The Climber Pouch California Cabernet Sauvignon; $16 (1.5 L)
Clif Family Winery, who released the Climber Pouch on Earth Day 2011, will donate 1 per cent of all Climber Pouch sales to Trees for the Future. The portable and unbreakable packaging will ensure that you can enjoy this lush and plummy wine anywhere you go. Make sure to also try the Climber Pouch Chardonnay, which features intense white fruit aromas and a juicy palate of grapefruit, apple and melon.
Tasting Notes on California Cabernet Sauvignon |
DUCA DEL FRASSINO
2009 Cabernet Corvina; $20 (3 L)
Produced by Cantina di Soave from grapes grown in the Veneto region, Duca del Frassino has emerged as the producer of the first Italian boxed wine. Dark fruit flavors and aromatic red cherries make this wine terrific on its own or as a great pairing with meats, pastas and cheeses.
Tasting Notes on 2009 Cabernet Corvina
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BODEGAS OSBORNE
Seven Red Wine; $21 (3 L)
This boxed blend of seven red wine varietals is housed in Octavin's unique packaging, which can stay fresh for up to six weeks after opening. Made from primarily Spanish grapes, this blend has soft fruit flavors and a gentle acidity.
Tasting Notes on Seven Red Wine |
MONTHAVEN WINERY
2008 Central Coast Chardonnay; $24 (3 L)
The Monthaven Winery 2008 Chardonnay is full-bodied with a buttery mid-palate, and offers balanced acidity and a clean finish. Stored in Octavin Home Wine Bar's unique, patent-pending octagonal packaging (which prevents oxidation), this boxed wine is sure to be a conversation starter.
Tasting Notes on 2008 Central
Coast Chardonnay |
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WINE 4 GRILLING
2007 California Red Wine; $14 (3 L)
Produced by Trinchero Family Estates, this boxed red blend of Zinfandel, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits smooth, full-bodied flavors and pairs well with a barbecue.
Tasting Notes on 2007 California Red Wine |
BLACK BOX WINES
2005 Chardonnay; $22 (3 L)
This premium brand, which produces vintage Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Pinot Grigio, claims that once opened, their wines will remain fresh for more than a month. Their Chardonnay shows off aromas of pineapple, citrus blossoms and sugar cookies, mixing with crisp flavors of juicy lemon, apple and sweet oak.
Tasting Notes on 2005 Chardonnay
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DTOUR
Mâcon-Villages Chardonnay, $37 (3 L)
An upscale Mâcon-Villages Chardonnay, “dtour” was the collaboration of vigneron Dominique Lafon, sommelier Daniel Johnnes and chef Daniel Boulud. The wine was packaged in a portable and insulating cardboard cylinder that came with a spout for easy pouring.
Tasting Notes on Mâcon-Villages Chardonnay |
FRENCH RABBIT
2007 Pinot Noir; $9 (1 L)
A red fruit-driven Pinot from the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France, packaged in a lightweight, completely recyclable Tetra Prisma container, which features a twist-off cap and a collapsible design.
Tasting Notes on 2007 Pinot Noir
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KILLER JUICE
2007 Cabernet Sauvignon; $19 (3 L)
Blended with 10 percent Petite Sirah, this Central Coast Cab reveals ripe cherry and currant scents, soft tannins, and berry and oak flavors with a lingering finish. The wine, which pairs well with a prime rib or dark chocolate torte, comes in a sturdy cardboard box and can stay fresh for more than six weeks after being opened.
Tasting Notes on 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon |
BOHO VINEYARDS
2007 Chardonnay; $19 (3 L)
Packaged in an eco-chic cardboard shell, which is made from 95 percent recycled materials, this boxed Chardonnay is environmentally friendly and stays fresh weeks after opening. Tropical aromas complement this crisp, medium-bodied wine’s peach, pineapple and apple flavors.
Tasting Notes on 2007 Chardonnay
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(Updated: 02/15/12 BH) |
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