Review: Bota Box Cabernet Sauvignon, Nighthawk Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Are people ready to give boxed wine a fair shake? I hope so, because they actually have a lot to recommend them. Today we are trying three boxed cabernet sauvignons from Bota Box. All three are very reasonably priced and come in a box that is recyclable, made primarily from renewable, plant-based materials, and produces less solid waste and a smaller carbon footprint than glass bottles. The boxes typically hold the equivalent of two or four bottles of wine, but because the wine container is airtight, the wine will stay good for up to 30 days, so there is no rush to finish it before oxidation kicks in. Growing respect for boxed wine is starting to encourage companies to sell better quality wines in boxes, and today we will be trying Bota Box’s various cabernet sauvignon offerings. Let’s tap some boxes and give these wines a try.

Bota Box Cabernet Sauvignon – On both the nose and palate, there’s jammy black cherry, blackberry, light black pepper, and a touch of band-aid. That last note is a bit unpleasant, but happily, it is only a touch, and the fruity notes play a much larger role in the wine’s character. The wine shows medium acidity and a touch of drying tannic structure on the finish. At this price point, you can’t expect much more, and I am happy to find it here. For the price, this is a decent wine, and it would be perfect to bring on a camping trip to enjoy on a cold night under the stars. B- / $18 for 3L box

Bota Box Nighthawk Bourbon Barrel Aged Cabernet Sauvignon – Enjoyable dark fruit notes of blackberry and blueberry along with a touch of vanilla and a little alcohol emerge from the glass. The palate follows the nose nicely with lightly boozy blackberry and blueberry, rounded with a touch of vanilla and a bit of milk chocolate. The bourbon barrel aging brings a lot to the wine, rounding it off but without imposing a strong bourbon note. The medium acidity integrates well with the fruit, and the tannins show up in the finish with a drying touch. I was impressed. B / $18 for 3L box

Bota Box Limited Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – So let’s answer the big question first: Does it taste like a true Napa Valley cabernet? Well, kinda. On the nose and palate, enjoyable notes of plum, cassis, and raspberry emerge, and a touch of milk chocolate appears in the background. The tannins are light, but they’re there, providing a bit of a drying finish, and the acidity is low to medium. I’d have loved to see more structure and bolder, more clarified flavors, but let’s keep things in perspective: This is a very nice glass of wine at a fantastic price. It does not come close to the great wines from the region but it deserves a place of respect for the quality it brings at an affordable price. If I’m making steaks or even burgers for a big group of friends, I wouldn’t hesitate to get a box or two to pair with them. B+ / $20 for 1.5L box

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