WINE

Most box wines are made in such large quantities that they sport extremely vague regions such as "California" or "Australia" or "Planet Earth." This Paso Robles has appellation prestige and tastes great. The initial aromatic punch of toasty oak and vanilla subsides to reveal sweet, black cherry fruit and hints of licorice. There is black currant and kirsch on the palate too, with nicely balanced, fine tannins.

The Black Box Chardonnay is a top quality, premium effort; ranks well with wines that cost more $$$'s in the marketplace; soft and fresh, with bright, core fruit flavors.

The Merlot displays aromas of leathery plums and cinnamon-spiced oak. The palate is smooth, medium weight, aged-textured with sweet red currant flavors. It finishes long and warm with resolved tannins. This Merlot has nice acidity that allows versatility in pairing with food. Try with hearty dishes with grilled meat or anything that is heavy on tomato based sauce. It would do well.

Black Box Wines Pinot Grigio experienced a prolonged ripening season with moderate rainfall and temperatures, resulting in expressive aromatics of pear and honeydew. With refreshing lime zest on the finish, it is bright and delicious. Pinot Grigio is well-suited for grilled fish or chicken, pastas and salads.

A medium-bodied, off-dry, juicy white wine with tangerine and apple flavor and a balanced acidity on the finish.

A light-to-medium-bodied, mouthwatering white wine with tropical and citrus flavors with a clean, dry finish.

Full-bodied, yet smooth and easy-drinking, this wine offers lovely blackberry and cinnamon spice aromas and a sumptuous palate of dark berry, dried cherry, vanilla and toasted oak flavors, culminating in a soft, full finish.

A well-balanced blend offers plenty of ripe, smoky black cherry fruit along with notes of chocolate and a hint of oak.

Intense color, flavor and soft tannins from grape skins. Ripe berry fruits along with fig and raisin add to the complex cedar aromas. The palate is soft plum with a dark fruit richness. The tannins are fine and supple making a round, mouth-filling wine.

Intense color, flavor and soft tannins from grape skins. Partial oak maturation with some parcels left un-oaked to enhance the primary fruit characters.

Blackbird Vineyards the Arise exudes perfumes of cherry, blackberry, tobacco, and vanilla. Upon entry, the soft mouth- feel reveals flavors of black cherry, truffle, and subtle black olive which unfold into a succulent finish. The Napa Valley grape growing season presented fickle weather conditions due to the relatively cool spring coupled with unexpected heat spikes in late summer. The outcome was a lower-yielding harvest that produced supple wines with European-style texture and great complexity.

Blackbird Vineyards the Illustration demonstrates elegant notes of mocha and toffee with opulent red fruit and iris aromas. The well balanced mid-palate offers great density and abundant flavors of cocoa, butterscotch and stone fruit. The finish is persis- tent in length with sophisticated tannins leading to a smooth mouth feel. Drinking well upon release, Illustration will age beautifully with time in the cellar. Blackbird's vintage wines showcase grapes farmed from a lower- yielding harvest that produced supple wines with European-style texture and pronounced complexity.

Shows aromas of pineapple, peach and lemon citrus with a touch of mineral notes and pleasing oak followed by luscious tropical fruit flavors and a touch of toasted vanilla on the palate This bright, well-balanced wine has a long, lingering finish. A fantastic food wine.

The aroma of the Blackstone Merlot was earthy and the alcohol was subtle but noticeable. Aromas of raspberry were noted along with a hint of leather saddle. On the palate, the wine was delicate and dry. Raspberry flavors, not surprisingly, were evident. There was also a very slight hint of vanilla. Mouthfeel of the Blackstone Merlot was cottony. Balanced tannins affected the front of the tongue and the bottom of the cheeks, close to the gums. The wine finished short with the tannins providing some lasting sensations. No alcohol was noted in the breathe out.

Delicate black cherry, violet, and cola aromas, followed by a spicy and smoky oak in the background. This velvety wine is accented with delicious plum, raspberry and vanilla. The balance of fruit and acidity leaves a soft, lingering finish.

A smooth, delicious blend of Merlot, Syrah, and Petite Sirah with black raspberry, blackberry, vanilla and strawberry flavors with smoky overtones.