Boxed wine: Better than ever

Boxed wines have “turned a corner,” said Eric Asimov in The New York Times. Long “uniformly bad,” the choices now are “far superior to what was available five years ago.” And it’s about time. Because a plastic pouch inside the box keeps air out even after it’s opened, boxed wine has always been a great idea. All that was missing were a few good producers willing to give it a try.

2010 Domaine le Garrigon Côtes-du-Rhône ($39 for 3 liters). This Wineberry America import was easily our panel’s favorite. “Fresh and lightly tannic,” it comes in a distinctive wooden box.

2009 From the Tank Côtes-du-Rhône ($37). This bright, balanced red is “a little more straightforward than the Garrigon.”

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2010 Cantina Valpatena Veronese ($27). Boxed whites are often less satisfying than the reds, but this lively, nutty wine was a standout.