Tasting -- Black Box Reds

Black Box Merlot

Grape Variety: Merlot

Country & Region: California

Price: $5.99

Vintage: NV

Critic Review: Hearty plum, vanilla, and cinnamon aromas. Flavors of black cherry and red berry fruit.

My Tasting Experience:

This Merlot was deeep, dark red. At first glance it almost looked purple. This wine had some chemical aromas. It felt acidic in the nose. There was also something else that I could not pinpoint. Maybe red berry? The taste...I did not enjoy in the slightest. It was almost bitter with not a lot of body. I honestly thought it was just bad.

Wine Folly: pg 131-132 Merlot - I definitely picked up on the deep, dark fruity flavors, but I did not enjoy them. I do not taste any chocolate, vanilla, or desert dust flavors. I could appreciate the supple tannins, however.

Black Box Pinot Noir

Grape Variety: Pinot Noir

Country & Region: California

Price: $5.99

Vintage: NV

Critic Review: A solid, light-red wine emerges from this box, showing toasty, oaky aromas, raspberry and plum flavors and a rich texture. While it doesn't have a strong Pinot Noir varietal character, it's an enjoyable, mild and easy-to-drink wine.

My Tasting Experience:

This Pinot Noir was much better than the Merlot. The lighter red colors shined in the light. The aromas were full, with notes of light fruit. The taste was sweeter but still dry. Despite, I still enjoyed this wine more.

Wine Folly: pg 150-151 Pinot Noir - This pinot noir tasted sweeter, so the fruit taste of the cherry and raspberry was different than the Merlot. I am not sure if I could taste the clove, but I could definitely smelll some sort of spice. I agree with the smooth, soft-tannin finish. That was one of my favorite parts.

Now, off to uncork my next adventure!

RG