Kim Macumber Interiors

Outside the Box

Wine from a box…what comes to mind? A better question is probably what contortion did you just put your face through when you read those first four words. Here is the scoop, wine from a box is available for almost any varietal; Cabernet, Zinfandel, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio just to name a few. Is it any good, well beauty is in the eye of the beholder right? Boxed wine has been on the market for nearly 30 years, but only recently have winemakers started to take it seriously. Will it replace the bottle, not in my lifetime but it is a practical method of bringing pretty good wine to the market at a very reasonable price…I’m talking cheap. A box of wine is usually three liters or the equivalent of four 750ml bottles. Kim and I bought a Malbec by Black Box for $18.00, or $4.50 per bottle. I can honestly say I had never tried a $4.50 bottle of wine before but have to admit, it was not bad. No, it will not be replacing my Caymus Cabernet, or even the $20 bottle of Josh but I would put it up against a decent $15.00 bottle of Malbec... and we did. Here is what we found.

Black Box, Argentina Malbec $18.00 3 Liter ($4.50 per 750ml)

A nice nose of red raspberries and cherries with just a hint of pepper. It has a solid mid palette mouth feel with some fruit forward punch and just enough acid to give it some balance without giving it that puckery citrus taste.  It has a soft, light garnet color and a short but pleasant finish.

Dona Paula Estate 2010 Argentina Malbec 750ml. $14.99

A deep, rich nose of Blueberries along with a slight hint of white pepper and tinge of alcohol.  Deep garnet in color with a rich leggy or dense appearance in the glass. A mid palette mouthfeel with a viscous and long lasting finish of dark fruit and cedar.

Bottom line…like them both! However at a $4.50 price point the Black Box is a pretty sound investment. Don’t be boxed out, give it a shot. 

Life is Short. Enjoy the Wine.

DM