Box Wines
A wine blog with news and reviews of affordable wines

Price: $6
Maker: Don Sebastiani & Sons, Napa, California
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Packaging: 750 ml bottle, artificial cork
Alcohol: 13.5%
Our Rating: 7.5 out of 10

We had high hopes for Pepperwood Grove Pinot Noir 2005 after finding their 2004 Merlot to be an enjoyable, inexpensive wine. Once again we were slightly startled by the snow-white artificial cork, and as we poured the wine we detected a promising nose that was mostly raspberry with slight floral notes. The wine proved to be very light-bodied, though, and a bit bland. Cherry, berry, and oak notes were present, but didn’t do much to excite this taster’s tongue. Admittedly, our taste leans toward robust zins and cabs, so perhaps this pinot is just a bit too subtle for our jaded tastebuds.

Since pinot noir wines tend to be lighter, perhaps a real pino aficionado would find this one more acceptable. At the price, one’s risk is certainly limited.

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Price: $6
Maker: the Little Penguin
Variety: Pinot Noir
Packaging: Bottle, artificial cork
Our Rating: 8.5 out of 10

In spite of the movie Sideways, which has caused a boom in the sales of Pinot Noir wines, that variety isn’t one of my favorite reds. I prefer the bigger, bolder cabs and Shirazes. Nevertheless, I picked up a bottle of the Little Penguin Pinot Noir 2004 based on my experience with some of their other varieties. To my great surprise, the Penguin came through with a very nice, very affordable wine. This Pinot is smooth and fruity, with cherry predominating. The finish gets more spicy. The Little Penguin Pinot isn’t a classic Pinot Noir, but it’s pleasant and smooth, and can be served with confidence for casual entertaining.

The Little Penguin web site says,

Pinot Noir has developed quite a reputation as a delicate grape that, when handled properly, can become an elegant wine. the Little Penguin’s Pinot Noir is no exception. the Little Penguin Pinot Noir has rich, spicy flavors with a smooth, clean finish.

. Their site is a fun one and worth a visit - check out the Wine Personality Test.

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