Tasting: Box Chardonnay wines
🥂 Chardonnay: A Toast to Versatility
Chardonnay is one of the most widely planted white grapes in the world and thrives in a range of climates. Its flavor profile is shaped significantly by winemaking methods. When fermented in stainless steel, it leans crisp and clean, with notes of green apple, citrus, and pear. When oak-aged, it can show buttery, creamy qualities with hints of vanilla and toast. California Chardonnays often emphasize fruit-forward and accessible styles, with some offering buttery richness, while others maintain a fresh, zingy profile. In this blind tasting, Lynn and Scott sampled four boxed Chardonnays from California, all purchased from Wegmans, to explore the spectrum of flavors and find a standout option.
🍷 Wine A – Barefoot Chardonnay (Modesto, CA)
📦 Boxed in March 2025 | 💲$18.99
Wine A opened the tasting with a light aroma, primarily pear, and possibly a hint of watermelon. The flavor started tart, with notes of ripe apple, but quickly faded with little to no finish. Both Lynn and Scott picked up a metallic taste, which lingered unpleasantly. However, the flavor improved slightly with food (i.e., a cracker), suggesting it might pair better with a meal than on its own.
Lynn’s Score: 10 – She would not buy it again, though maybe keep it at home as a second glass option.
Scott’s Score: 10 – Also a no buy again; too metallic and fleeting for his taste.
⚖️ Total Score: 20
❌ Not party-worthy and didn’t impress on its own.
🍏 Wine B – Bota Box Nighthawk Chardonnay (Livermore, CA)
📦 Boxed in July 2025 | 💲$15.99
Wine B had a darker, golden hue and a pleasant aroma with layers of pear and apple. Scott noted a zingy entry—a little like champagne effervescence, which was intriguing but unexpected in a Chardonnay. The finish was mild but more natural and structured than the first wine. While not a knockout, it had a nice balance and slightly more personality.
Lynn’s Score: 13 – She would buy it again and bring it to a neighborhood party.
Scott’s Score: 11 – He would not buy it again, though he appreciated the tart start.
⚖️ Total Score: 24
✔️ Lynn-approved for gatherings, but not Scott's favorite.
🍐 Wine C – Franzia Chardonnay (Ripon, CA)
📦 Boxed in May 2025 | 💲$18.99
Wine C was lighter in color than Wine B and had subtle aromas of apple, with a slightly buttery sensation on the palate. The body was soft, but Scott detected a bit of a plasticky aftertaste, which detracted from its appeal. Lynn, who typically doesn’t like buttery Chardonnays, found this one acceptable, possibly due to its milder expression of butter.
Lynn’s Score: 12 – She would buy it again, but only to drink at home.
Scott’s Score: 9 – He would not buy it again, citing the plasticky undertone.
⚖️ Total Score: 21
🧈 A mellow option with a whisper of butter—but not for everyone.
🍋 Wine D – Black Box Chardonnay (Napa, CA) 🏆
📦 Boxed in March 2025 | 💲$15.99
Wine D made a great impression from the start with a golden hue and a fresh aroma of Granny Smith apple, floral notes, and a hint of honeysuckle. Scott detected mild lemon, and both tasters agreed it had more complexity than the previous wines. It had a smooth entry, a refined finish, and just the right amount of zing without being overpowering.
Lynn’s Score: 16 – Her highest rating. She would buy it again and proudly bring it to a neighborhood party.
Scott’s Score: 12 – Also his top choice. He would buy it again for occasional home enjoyment.
⚖️ Total Score: 28
🥇 Winner of the tasting!
Black Box impressed both tasters with its flavor, aroma, and finish. It also matched the lowest price of the group, making it both the best-tasting and best-value wine of the tasting.
🏁 Final Thoughts:
🎉 Black Box Chardonnay emerged as the clear winner 🥂 with its balanced profile, pleasant aromas, and layered taste that outshined the others. It's a great choice for parties or casual sipping—especially when you're looking for flavor on a budget.
