Non-vintage wines that are good tend to be fortified or certain regional wines (some Bully Hill wines come to mind), but rarely are good non-vintage wines any of the major grape varietals, let alone in cardboard. That being said, I have to admit I was completely suckered into buying the Wine Cube based on the fact that they look like cute little juice boxes.

This is the first boxed wine that’s been tasted on First Pour Wine and it’s certainly non-conventional.  Normally, boxed wine is a plastic bladder with a spout that vacuum seals when wine isn’t pouring.  This means the wine can be kept longer, up to a month and a half.  While this Wine Cube is made up of individual servings, they also come in standard boxes.

Unfortunately, most of the common box wines have a reputation of being rubbish.  How does Wine Cube’s Cabernet Sauvignon / Shiraz stand up?

Sight:  Characteristically, dark red with magenta edges.

Smell:  Strawberry and blueberry.  Touch of mocha, caramel, and prune, and a very hint whiff of cayenne / spice.

Sip:  The flavor is dark, and a bit murky, like crushed up blackberries and blueberries macerating in black curranty, red wine darkness.   Somewhere is a hint of slightly artificial vanilla note hiding in the back. It’s rather tannic and a bit hot, and not oaky in any particular way.   The mouth feel is simultaneously full, and kind of watery. [A.B.V. 13%]

Savor:  Espresso.  Strong espresso.  Tannins are inline with a cabernet sauvignon, but it’s just a bit too aggressive.

Overall, wine cube cabernet sauvignon / shiraz’s cute exceeds it flavor of wine by an exponential amount.  This is kind of a shame, since the wine has a unique ability to be perfect for areas that don’t allow glass, such as the pool or beach.  If so inclined, it’s likely you could also sneak them into events, since they’re small and don’t look like wine.  Beware though, they’re not particularly enjoyable.

Price: 9.99 for a 4 pack of 250 mls (1L)

Blend: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon / 50% Shiraz

California