Target Boxed Wine: The White Ones

One thing I learned from my last review is to not write it immediately after the tasting process. Especially if you are tasting thoughtfully and thoroughly like I have done for you. If you do, you might leave out the actual name of the wine and the prices. So today I start with the basics.

We are considering the Target Wine Cube boxed wine collection which is featured prominently at the Target stores that sell wine. A box of four single servings of wine is around $7.99, a box containing the equivalent of 2 bottles of wine is around $8.99, and a box containing the equivalent of four bottles of wine is around $14.99. The prices vary slightly depending on the kind of wine.

The 2005 California Chardonnay had a rich buttery color but was a little cloudy. The nose had a hint of caramel, and the first taste was only slightly citrusy, which is a positive in a Chardonnay for me. It had a crisp finish with very little aftertaste. For the price and convenience, I could recommend this wine.

The Pinot Grigio was also a 2005 with grapes from California. When they say it is a California wine, it means that the grapes are not from one specific vineyard in one specific county. This is quite common in less expensive wines. This Pinot Grigio was almost clear in color, but with a slight greenish tint. The nose was a strong hard candy smell while the predominant tastes were of pear and tangerine. I can’t say I loved it, but there isn’t any left in our fridge either.

The bargain wine of the evening was a small box of 2005 California White Wine. That is correct. Just “White Wine.” There wasn’t any indication of what grapes had been mashed together to produce this rather disturbing vintage. The nose had a definite odor of bathroom cleaner but the overall taste was sweet. I have no idea how they accomplished that, but I do know that they shouldn’t have. In order to recommend this wine, I have to also recommend that you add some ice cubes and half of a 7-Up Plus.

Overall, the Wine Cube selections were a little disappointing. There are several other wines by the bottle that are no more expensive, but much easier on the palette.