Box Wine Recap: Red Wines

From a sheer quantity standpoint, there are a lot more bottled wine varieties than box wines, and our reviews tend to reflect that numeric imbalance. So, we thought we’d highlight a few of the box wines we’ve tried recently (focusing on red wines):

Hardy’s Shiraz 2004

Price: $20
Maker: Hardys Stamp of Australia by International Cellars
Variety: Shiraz
Packaging: 3 liter box
Our Rating: 8 out of 10

“…The aroma is a robust mix of berry, spice and chocolate. As this interesting Shiraz rolls across the tongue, the mocha moves into the fore, with plum and spice filling the background. This isn’t a typical Aussie Shiraz, but it’s an interesting one. The strong chocolate notes make the flavor a mellow mix that even non-expert wine drinkers may find tasty.”

Trove Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Price: $25
Maker: Trove Wines, Madera, California
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Packaging: 3-liter box
Our Rating: 8.5 out of 10

“… this cab has an intriguing aroma, with a prominent butterscotch note mixing with the more expected spice and berry. The flavor is rich and complex, with jammy berry flavors, soft tannins, and good acidity. The finish lingers. This is indeed a nice wine, and people who have turned their nose up at boxed wine in the past will be pleasantly surprised, if not actually shocked.”

Killer Juice Cabernet Sauvignon 2003

Price: $18
Maker: Universal Wine Network
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Packaging: 3 liter box
Our Rating: 8 out of 10

“…The wine is actually good, but I’ll leave the question of whether it is indeed “killer juice” to others. I found it to be medium bodied, with a mild spicy aroma and a flavor that’s a nice balance of berry and oak. A bit of acid in the finish adds some interest. ”

Rain Dance Shiraz 2004

Price: $16
Maker: Westcorp International
Variety: Shiraz
Packaging: 3 liter box
Our Rating: 8 out of 10

“It’s rare that the description of a wine on the packaging doesn’t over-promise, but the Rain Dance box says simply, “a smooth, easy drinking red wine with berry and fruit flavors.” We agree with that minimalist description. The wine has a pleasing aroma of spice and berries, and the flavor is smooth – berries and oak, with some peppery spice. The finish is slightly acidic, which plays well with the rest of the experience. This may not be a big, complex red, but it’s a crowd-pleaser that should prove enjoyable to a range of palates.”