Thanks to all those who added comments two weeks ago about boxed wines for my cafe. The transfer has been put off a week, but I suspect I will own it Thursday, June 10. This weekend I had a party at home. I invited 18 friends and family. All will drink wine, some actually know a little bit about wine. Here's some blind taste test data: Chardonnay Almaden from 1.5l bottle 6 preferred it, 11 said it was "OK", 1 didn't like it. Peter Vella from 5l box 0 preferred it, 10 said it was "OK", 8 didn't like it. Vendange from 1.5l bottle 12 preferred it, 6 said it was "OK", nobody didn't like it. The results were similar with White Zin, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Vendange was not involved with any other tastings. Between Alamaden and Peter Vella with White Grenache: Everyone liked White Zin better. Even the most inexperienced taster could recognize White Zin (so sweet) from White Grenache. Nobody preferred either, most just said it was "OK". I believe most had too much wine by then. A few didn't like either, but I'd give a marginal edge between the two to Almaden.
So when we take over, Peter Vella is out.
The following 5l boxes are in: Almaden Chardonnay, White Zin, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon to be served by the glass or .5l carafe. The following 1.5l bottles are in on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only: Almaden White Grenache, French Colombard, Emerald Riesling, Chenin Blanc At least for now. Lots of White wines for the summer. Lots of BBQ shrimp and chicken, crab cakes, and of course, lobster dinners. Probably OK with hamburgers and knockwurst as well. This place has an outdoor grill for summertime favorites.
Because of the high name recognition, we figure we'll put some Sutter Home wines in and mix in Vendange for good measure, both only by the bottle, at least for now. When the weather gets cool, the grill shuts down and we shift gears into fall, we'll probably tweak in some better stuff.
As always, your comments are welcome and helpful.
Peter