Black box: Now there are two words that can strike fear and terror into even the bravest of us. It could be the remnants of a devastating air crash, something mysterious in a horror film, a component of a bad dream, or perhaps even just something unknown and possibly to be feared.
However, Black Box wines are just the opposite, they are nice, pleasant and enjoyable. Why would anyone name a very nice wine Black Box? Simple enough; some overpaid advertising genius thought it would stand out better on dealers’ shelves. Frankly, we stay far away from black boxes in these days of things that can go boom, but in the case of Black Box wines, our fears and trepidation are totally misplaced.
Inside those ominous looking black boxes are well-made wines drawn from areas where a specific variety thrives. These wines are packaged in one liter (that’s four bottles) aseptic bags, allowing for small amounts to be drawn off while leaving the wine remaining in the box with almost no deterioration in quality during a period of several weeks or even months.
We have begun keeping some Black Box wines in the fridge for mealtime enjoyment, sipping while watching TV or to use in cooking. Using Black Box wines for cooking purposes saves the problem of opening a bottle of wine to use while preparing the meal and then putting it away, hoping it will not go bad by the time we need it.
Black Box 2012 California Riesling ($25)The Black Box 2012 California Riesling is a semisweet, fruity white wine that has been made in the traditional German style.
The wine displays all of the characteristics associated with the riesling grape - an apricot and peach aroma followed by the flavors of tart apples and citrus. The usually high fruit acid level, common to the variety, is purposely held in check, allowing the flavor of the fruit to predominate. The finish can best be described as a thing of beauty.
Do we like the Black Box 2012 California Riesling? An emphatic yes, and it has earned a place of honor in our fridge.
Black Box 2012 Malbec ($25)Here is a wine that comes directly from the heart of malbec country, Mendoza Province of Argentina. It is an almost picture perfect example of the variety.
The wine displays a deep red, almost violet color and a big, vibrant plum and cherry aroma, which then proceeds on to the flavor and displays an abundance of cherries - big dark cherries. There are also under-flavors of other dark fruits that intermingle with each other to add extra layers to the fruity finish.
This malbec should not be considered mediocre just because of its low price and the fact it comes in a box. It’s actually terrific.
Black Box 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon ($25) From the vineyards of Argentina, the Black Box vintners hopped over the Andes and landed in the Valle Central, the heart of the cabernet sauvignon growing district of Chile. There they came upon some really fine cabs and sent them to California to be included in the Black Box line.
This attractive wine displays a plum and blackberry flavor with black cherry bringing up the rear. There are the under-flavors of mocha, cedar, oak and vanilla lying in the background, which then end in a knockout finish.
This may not be a great cab, but it sure is a good one.
Black Box 2012 Merlot ($25)This merlot, like the cabernet sauvignon, cuts new trails in flavor and enjoyment. This popular variety takes on new meaning when made from grapes grown in the costal growing region of California.
It is a soft and elegant wine displaying the flavors and aromas of black cherries and blackberries, with a hint of vanilla in the background.
Like the cabernet, it is a new experience with an old favorite and a must to try.
Nixa resident Bennet Bodenstein is a wine columnist and manages ArticlesOnWine.com. He can be reached at frojhe1@att.net.
