I know, boxed wine...you pass right by it in the aisle because it can't be any good, right? I have to say, I've found many of them, including this Black Box Cabernet from Costco, to be alright, provided you understand what you're buying and why you're buying it.
These reasons are either: a) you drink a crapload of wine and want to/need to save a buck, b) you are an environmentalist and love how the packaging has an carbon footprint that is 85% less than that of four standard bottles of wine, or c) you just want to have a glass or two occasionally with dinner and don't want to always have to open an entire bottle. I fall a little into all three buckets so boxed wine like this is perfect for me. In all seriousness, Costco sells this Black Box Cab for $15.99 and that's a nice bargain compared to prices you will find at other wine shops where it is generally around $20. Obviously at $16 at Costco for four bottles, that's only $4 a bottle, which is pretty cheap, even for you Trader Joes fanatics.
OK, so what about the wine inside? Well, it's not bad, in my opinion. I've bought Black Box Cabs before (like this one I reviewed a while back from California) and remember them tasting a bit better although maybe a touch less interesting. This one from Chile at least piques my interest because it was a little different than I expected. It's super fruity, dark fruit mostly, really fresh and vibrant (it is a 2014 which seems like, and in this case tastes like, last week), very uneventful after the initial blast of fruit; not much of a finish to really speak of as it dies out pretty quick. Tastes very young, and that's not going to change in the box.
But I have to say, and back to my points above, if you're looking for C (to just pour a single glass with dinner, which many of us might enjoy), this is an incredibly economical way to do it. The wine lasts for a month or so. Every glass tastes the same. You don't need to store in the fridge so it won't be cold. At $4 a bottle, it's it least worth a look.
CostcoWineBlog.com Rating: 85 points (this is a really hard wine to rate, but if I tasted it out of a bottle I'd probably go low-mid 80's. For the extra value that it offers, I'll call it an 85 which I think is fair , all things considered).
Costco item number: 938535
Linda Garland says
Hello ---- have you tried the newest bottle of Merlot blend @ Atlanta Costco stores this week?
"Blackbird Vineyards - Arise" PHENOMENAL wine!
https://www.blackbirdvineyards.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackbird_Vineyards
What a treasure for wine collectors!!!
$36.99 in Atlanta Costco Stores. Wow --- great price.
Editor says
Hi, thanks for the heads up. I have not seen that one at my stores but will keep a look out for it now. Haven't reviewed enough Merlots lately...
Shawn says
Which Costco did you buy this at? I have not seen Black Box wine at the Atlanta/Dunwoody Costco.
We have purchased many of the Black Box wines over the years, they are excellent when making either red or white Sangria, or using when used for cooking. They make for a nice everyday wine when you are not cooking anything special and just want some wine with dinner.
Personally, I like to have a glass of wine before or during cooking (maybe 2) and then open a nice bottle with dinner.
Editor says
That's exactly how I like to enjoy it too and not have to always open a full bottle. The box is perfect in that regard. I wasn't positive which store I bought this at which is why I didn't list it. I almost always shop at Kennesaw or Cumberland so I know it's one of those. I'd keep an eye out since you're just on the other side of town. Id be surprised if you didn't see them pop up.
Sam Cochran says
The boxes can, in my opinion, be a good value, but you have to be willing to buy a box to check the contents. I have had good luck with some of the sauvignon blancs a year or two ago, but the current one on the market is a little tired. I have had pretty good luck with the chardonnay and a couple of the reds. Yes, agree on all three points they are a good option.
Linda Garland says
"The Reinert Project" Pinot Noir from Monterey California is PHENOMENAL (@ $14.99/bottle @ Costco). This is one of the best Pinot's I have had in many years (at this price)........... I have also seen this same wine in several luxury restaurants @ $20.00/glass too!!!! WOWZA!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TOP SHELF PINOT NOIR!!!!!
This is a steal @ Costco right now! (Atlanta stores)
Winemaking Notes: The 2014 Arroyo Seco Pinot Noir was handpicked on October 14th. Grapes were destemmed into 5 ton open top fermenters, cold soaked for 6 days and then fermented for 12 days, for a total of 18 days of skin contact. We let the wine age in a combination of temperature controlled stainless steel, new and used oak for approximately 10 months. This process allowed for the evolution of the silky tannins.
Tasting Notes: A rich and vibrant wine that’s deceptively complex. A Pinot Noir that gushes with ripe and focused Strawberry, black cherry, and red plum fruit flavors. A sleek and finely textured wine that hints of spice and cola as the flavors all come together seamlessly on the long polished finish!