Firstleaf is a monthly wine subscription founded by Philip James, with the goal of creating the most customer-centric wine club.
Firstleaf leaf partners directly with wineries and winemakers to bring the wine straight to members, and boasts that it’s the only wine club that tailors its wine choice to an individual member’s preferences.
You can preview each box before it ships and swap out up to 3 bottles.
Each regular club box from Firstleaf contains 6 bottles of wine; however, this is a review of the introductory special offer box that includes 3 bottles for only $5 each (plus $4.95 shipping) so that they can establish your taste profile based on these preliminary ratings.
This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out the review process post to learn more about how we review boxes.)
About Firstleaf
The Subscription Box: Firstleaf
The Cost: $79 per box + $9.95 shipping
LIMITED TIME DEAL: Use this link to get 3 select wines for $5 each (plus tax and free shipping)
ACTIVE DEAL: Intro offer $39.95 + free shipping no code needed. No coupon needed - just use this link.
The Products: 6 bottles of wine personalized to your individual tastes.
Ships to: the US, specifically these states: AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, ND, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, and WY
Good To Know: You can adjust your shipment frequency and preferences in your account settings. An adult 21+ must be present at the time of delivery to sign for the shipment.
Firstleaf Wine Of The Month Club September 2018 Review
Firstleaf offers a pretty impressive level of customization. You can choose whether to receive all white, all reds, or a mix of both. You can also choose whether to receive US wines, imported wines, or a mix of both. You can also choose how frequently you’d like to receive boxes and indicate if you’re interested in Rose or Sparkling varieties.
The first insert included as a referral card. Anyone that uses your custom link gets the offer of 3 bottles for $5 plus free shipping, while you receive a $20 credit on your account. The envelope also contains a detailed card for each bottle of wine. I love this additional information – you can see detailed photos throughout the rest of the review.
2016 Vintage Wine Works Heritage White (California) – Listed Value $20
Tasting Notes: Lively acid and purity to support salads, light dishes, and cold soups. It also has a balanced, mineral finish for pairing with fish and poultry.
This wine is 100% Chenin Blanc, and I think that lovers of Chardonnay would really enjoy this variety. It is light, crisp, and a full-bodied white and is not very sweet – making it a great compromise or entry into white wine for someone who typically prefers a red.
2016 Composure Chardonnay (Paso Robles, California) – Listed Value $22
Tasting Notes: Peach, nectarine, buttery character, with a broad palate. Plush and voluptuous. A classic full-bodied New World Chardonnay. A classic wine for classic pairings: shrimp, scallops, and fish, as well as fresh pasta, are great combinations.
I didn't care for this Chardonnay, and I didn't really agree with the flavor profile on the card. I thought that it was not sweet, but definitely acidic and full bodied.
2016 Harmonic Bridge Chardonnay (Paso Robles, California)– Listed Value $22
Tasting Notes: Ripe stone fruit and a plush structure showcase the warmer region of Paso Robles. Together comes the richness and unctuous texture. Oaky vanilla notes and cinnamon from French oak add complexity. Full malolactic fermentation allows for an overt buttery style of Chardonnay. Pair this with fatty fish hot off the grill
Awards:
2018 International Women's Wine Competition 91 Points
2018 Monterey International Wine Competition 90 Points
2018 Winemaker Challenge 90 Points
2018 International Women's Wine Competition Gold Medal
2018 Monterey International Wine Competition Gold Medal
2018 Winemaker Challenge Gold Medal
2017 Harvest Challenge Gold Medal
2018 San Diego International Wine And Spirits Challenge Silver Medal
I didn't expect to like this one, based on the last bottle I tried – same vintage, same region, same grape – but I did find this to be a lighter and fruitier, more balanced wine. I'm not surprised that it has a whole slew of awards behind it!
2014 Chanme Mechant Grenache (Cotes Catalanes, France)– Listed Value $23
Tasting Notes: Strong jammy notes with a full body and a high alcohol content—this is a robust red wine with subtle notes of Mediterranean herbs and spices. Pair this with rich meats as they come off the grill.
Awards:
- 2018 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition 90 Points
- 2018 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition Gold Medal
- 2018 New York International Wine Competition Gold Medal
- 2018 Denver International Wine Competition Silver Medal
- 2018 Global Wine Awards Silver Medal
- 2018 International Women's Wine Competition Bronze Medal
This is a very rich, incredibly full bodied fruity red – made to enjoy with a decadent French meal of red meat and heavy cream. It was dry – and kind of a “man’s wine” to me – but I could tell that it was a really good bottle, it had great legs on the glass!
2014 Chanme Mechant (Cotes Catalanes, France)– Listed Value $22
Tasting Notes: Warm and dry conditions provide a supple, full-bodied wine. Red fruited and a vein of acidity from cooler nights. Ripe tannins and softer acid complement rounder, softer dishes.
Awards:
- 2018 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition 92 Points
- 2018 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition Gold Medal
- 2018 Global Wine Awards Silver Medal
- 2018 International Women's Wine Competition Silver Medal
This Washinton Merlot was very nice. It smelled fantastic and had the spicy herbal flavors that deeply enhance the depth of the dark fruit.
2014 Heliograph Estates Grenache (Cotes Catalanes, France)– Listed Value $23
Tasting Notes: Ripe fruits complement sweeter flavors. This full-bodied Grenache has soft tannins that will support a wide variety of dishes. The higher alcohol content means that this wine will pair beautifully with rich meats. It's your perfect grilling companion. Awards:
- 2018 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition Silver Medal
- 2018 Denver International Wine Competition Silver Medal
- 2018 Global Wine Awards Silver Medal
- 2018 New York International Wine Competition Bronze Medal
This is another full-bodied red from the same region. I would have liked to see some additional variety and found this to be a little more on the acidic side for me.
Verdict: This Firstleaf membership breaks down to around $16.50 per bottle, including shipping, for 6 bottles. Each of the bottles that I received retail for at least that (usually $20+) – but to me, the convenience is the value that I love the most!
To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? Because of the personalization, you may receive different wines than mine!
LIMITED TIME DEAL: Use this link to get 3 select wines for $5 each (plus tax and free shipping)
ACTIVE DEAL: Intro offer $39.95 + free shipping no code needed. No coupon needed - just use this link.
Check out all of our Firstleaf Reviews and find more wine of the month clubs in the Drinks Subscription Box List!
Keep Track Of Your Subscriptions: Add this box to your subscription box list or wishlist!
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