Finally encountered Black Box boxed wine at the local emporium during a recent visit when I took a shortcut through the traditionally avoided box wine section. They displayed Sonoma County Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay--all vintage wines (2001) and at an upscale price for box wine: $18 for the Merlot and $14 for the other two. Three liters, equivalent of four regular bottles per box.
Having read some positive comments in my most trusted source of wine info (alt.food.wine), I brought home the Merlot.
It's proving to be the perfect solution for those evenings of conversation that outlast the better bottle from dinner. Want one more glass? It's perfect. The merlot is a pleasant wine, dark blackish purple in color, with a warm leather, black cherry, chocolate nose. Mouth feel is pleasantly supple with good varietal characteristics. Seems to show good structure and a reasonable finish for a wine that's averaging about $4.25/bottle.
I'll buy more.
Ed Rasimus Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret) "When Thunder Rolled" Smithsonian Institution Press ISBN #1-58834-103-8