Firstleaf is a new monthly wine subscription from the parent company that owns magazines like Food & Wine, Cooking Light, Sunset, and Travel + Leisure.
Firstleaf leaf sends wines that are “matched to your taste, direct from the vineyard, [and] delivered on your schedule.”
After your first box, you can rate the wines you receive from Firstleaf. This helps Firstleaf to learn your tastes and better personalize your future boxes.
You can preview each box before it ships and swap out up to 3 bottles.
My Subscription Addiction pays for this subscription. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes).
The Subscription Box: Firstleaf
The Cost: $79 per box + shipping (The total cost with shipping to DC is $88.95.)
ACTIVE DEAL: Intro offer $39.95 + free shipping no code needed. No coupon needed - just use this link.
The Products: Six bottles of wine personalized to your taste.
Ships to: US
Check out the Wine of the Month Club Subscription Box Directory and make sure to add Firstleaf to your subscription list or wishlist!
Firstleaf offers a pretty impressive level of customization. You can choose whether to receive all white, all reds, or a mix. You can also choose whether to receive US wines, International wines, or a mix. (That’s an option I’ve never seen before!)
You can also choose how frequently you’d like to receive boxes.
Regular boxes from Firstleaf contain 6 bottles of wine; however, this is a review of the introductory special offer box that includes 3 wines. You can access the same offer here.
I received an envelope with my box.
Inside, I found a card with basic information about how Firstleaf works.
It let me know what to expect from future shipments and how to rate my wines.
I also received a letter from Firstleaf’s founder, welcoming me to the club.
Argiano NC Non Confunditor 2013- $14.45
This red blend from Tuscany is “a robust mix of dark berry, toasted-coffee and currant aromas and flavors that lead to a long, delectable finish.” It tastes maybe a little young to me, but it still has the mossy and berry flavors I tend to associate with Tuscan wines. Firstleaf suggests pairing it with “homemade pastas, meat sauces and mushroom- or truffle-based sauces.”
Napa Valley Turnkey Bold Red Wine- $45?
I can’t find this bottle available for sale online, but according to Firstleaf it has received two gold medals, has been given 90+ point score, and retails for $45. It’s a bold and earthy wine, with rich, dark fruit flavors. I’m a fan.
Ballard Lane 2013 Sauvignon Blanc- $11.99
When I signed up for Firstleaf, I was able to preview the wines I’d receive in my first box, and I was set to receive a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc from Napa’s Long Meadow Ranch instead of this one from Ballard Lane. I might not have noticed the substitution, but I was excited to see a bottle from Long Meadow Ranch in my box because I’ve visited the winery before. Still, I understand that substitutions are sometimes necessary, and I’m pleased that they replaced the original bottle with another Sauvignon Blanc.
I’m not sure how easy it is to see in the above photo, but the label is really pretty. It’s printed on textured paper. Here’s a better photo:
I’m typically a big fan of Sauvignon Blanc, but this one was just okay. It wasn’t objectionable or unpleasant, but the flavors fell a little flat for me. It also lacked the crisp, clean acidity I love in Sauvignon Blanc.
Verdict: I enjoyed my first box from Firstleaf. Not all of the wines were exactly to my taste, but I’m glad that Firstleaf will take my ratings into account when selecting my future wines. I also really like that they allow subscribers to preview their boxes and substitute up to three wines per box. I’ve already customized my next box (I was able to swap out an oaky Chardonnay that I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t like), and I’m excited to receive it next month! In terms of value, I paid $20 (including shipping) for over $70 worth of wine. Since this is part of a first-month special offer, I don’t expect to see that kind of value in future boxes. Still- what a remarkable deal!
Have you tried Firstleaf?
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