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Boxed Wines

Delicious Package

Boxed wines are a lot cheaper than their bottled and corked counterparts, and are, as we have discovered, quite fine and drinkable. Since they are 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. 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 Riesling. Yet if packaging or selection is no object, then boxed wines can be a real value.

Boxed Wines


MONTHAVEN WINERY
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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.

Octavin Home Wine Bar's Monthaven Winery 2008 Central Coast Chardonnay boxed wine


Wine 4 Grilling's 2007 California Red Wine

WINE 4 GRILLING
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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.


BLACK BOX WINES
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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.

Black Box Wines' 2005 Chardonnay


dtour's Mâcon-Villages Chardonnay
DTOUR
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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.


FRENCH RABBIT
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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.

French Rabbit 2007 Pinot Noir


Killer Juice's 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
KILLER JUICE
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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.


BOHO VINEYARDS
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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.

Boho Vineyards' 2007 Chardonnay


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PET040710
(Updated: 06/18/10 ET)

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