Over the past few months we’ve received a surprising number of boxed wine samples. I suppose it shouldn’t be a surprise since we are all about cheap wine. But even though we’re into cheap wine, we’re still finicky and definitely prefer to review good, cheap wine (or call it “inexpensive wine” if you have a hang-up with the word cheap.) Anyway… we have noticed an increase in wine producers using bag-in-box packaging and we’ve noticed the quality of the wine going into boxes to be improving as well.
Black Box is one of the producers that’s doing a nice job with their boxed wines. And when I say, “nice job” I mean that the wine is OK. They do better with some varieties than with others. This chardonnay I would say is good. I was really impressed with the bouquet, but not as wowed by the palate. It doesn’t “blow me away” as the best chardonnay I’ve ever tasted, but for the equivalent price of $8.00 a bottle it’s pretty good.
I should note that Black Box actually puts out two different chardonnays. They have a Monterey County chardonnay, which I have not tasted, and this Napa Valley Reserve chardonnay.
This wine has a big bouquet that smells like kettle corn, butterscotch, nectarine and lime. It’s very full and quite nice. The oak is a little heavy on the palate, giving this wine a little bit of a wet board flavor. Other than that it has apple, citrus and nectarine flavors. The acidity is sufficient. The finish is quite long and oaky. If a buttery and oaky chardonnay is your thing, then I’d say check this one out.
Wine: Black Box Napa Valley Reserve Chardonnay
Variety: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2008
Alcohol: 13.5%
Rating: 84
Price: $31.99 for 3 liters (equivalent to $8.00 per 750ml bottle)
Find Black Box Napa Valley Reserve Chardonnay with Snooth
Here’s what some others thought of the this chardonnay:
Disclosure: This wine was received as a sample.