Naked Wines, a direct-to-consumer wine company, is a quarterly subscription box that sends curated wine selections directly from independent wine makers from around the world to subscribers. For our review, we received the Wine Genie box, which is smart wine box based on your preferences and feedback. After trying the wines you are asked to rate them so the Wine Genie becomes familiar with your likes and dislikes, thus sending bottles more attuned to your taste in every subsequent shipment. The price of varies based on the wines in your delivery. Shoppers can also buy individual wines by the bottle.
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This box was sent to us at no cost for review. (Check out our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we review boxes.)
First Impressions
This quarter’s box is the second I’ve received from Naked Wines, and this time it includes some very cute gifting labels, complete with discount vouchers for Naked Wines. I intended to keep and try all of the wines in my box, but the wine labels were such a thoughtful addition to the box in case I wanted to reserve any bottles for host or birthday gifts.
Aside from that, I was excited to see not one, but three California wines. I live in California and have a few wine subscriptions to local winemakers, and I’ll always jump at the chance to support more winegrowers from the state. I was most excited to try what I anticipated to be a bold and flavorful syrah from Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County. And although I’m not normally big on rosé, I do love a bubbly rosé, which this box included as well.
If you’d like to learn more about the process to subscribe or what to expect in your first box, check out my First Impressions review of my initial Naked Wines box.
What's Inside My July 2024 Naked Wines Box
Each box is customized to user preferences, so other members’ boxes may not look quite like mine. However, fellow Naked Wines subscribers can still purchase any of the wines I had in my box if they sound intriguing. So without further ado, here’s what I thought about each of the wines in my Wine Genie box for July.
Mauricio Lorca Rosado Extra Brut 2022
My friends have probably heard me say this a billion times: I don’t really care for rosé, unless it’s nice and bubbly. Well, Naked Wines delivered by sending along an extra brut rosé just in time for the peak of summer. Aside from being excited to try this affordable sparkling rosé with a homemade weekend brunch, I also couldn’t wait to sip this by the pool on a hot day.
But did it actually deliver on crisp, refreshing flavor? Absolutely. On the nose, this one had citrus and under-ripe strawberries. But the flavor was really nice, like lemons and berries, without being too sweet. The bubbles were tiny, making the drink crisp yet easy to drink. I really enjoyed this sparkling wine on its own, but because it is on the drier side, it also worked well with a little orange juice in a mimosa I made for a Sunday brunch. Plus, this was the least expensive bottle of the bunch, making it that much better.
Rod Easthope Reserve Hawkes Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2023
This wine had some savory notes on the nose, like fennel and mushroom, but the flavor was the complete opposite. The taste was fruit-forward while still being crisp and zesty, and I tasted notes of peach, lemon, and passionfruit. I knew right away this would be one of my favorite wines in the box.
I enjoyed this refreshing bottle of wine on the tail end of a heatwave in Los Angeles, and the wine was perfect for the weather with its light, crisp flavors. I also think this wine would be great in a wine spritzer, as I think its flavors are begging for some bubbles.
David Marchesi Napa Chardonnay 2021
This wine by far took the cake for best label. The winemaker uses illustrations of local plants on its labels, and this chardonnay featured a California poppy, one of my favorite flowers. However, I am not usually big on chardonnay because of the heavy oak flavor, so I didn’t expect to care for this wine much.
But it surprised me with a more saline, mineral flavor that wasn’t buttery like I had anticipated. There is a slightly buttery, creamy flavor, but nothing intense. Overall, this was a really subtle and drinkable chardonnay that I think would be amazing with a cheese board, seafood, or even grilled or roasted chicken. I had it with chicken and thought it complemented the food well.
Patrice Grasset Sancerre Pinot Noir 2021
I was really looking forward to breaking into this pinot noir, a lighter bodied red, from the Sancerre region of France. Instinct told me to pop this one in the fridge for a little bit before opening, and I was glad I did—upon closer inspection, I noticed that the label recommended to chill the wine to a temperature of 58°F to 60°F.
The smell of this one was really pleasant, with notes of cherry, dark berries, plums, and black pepper. But the flavor was much more subtle, with just a hint of berries and vanilla. It was a very smooth wine, but the flavor was perhaps a little too dull for my preference. However, because it was so delicate, I think this would be a good option for dinner parties or other gatherings. The simpler flavor profile would likely please multiple palates.
The Strasser Collection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Here was yet another California wine from one of my favorite places, Napa Valley. I also really enjoy the bold characteristics of cab sauvs, so I expected big things from this one, especially because it was the most expensive bottle of this shipment.
The smell of this alone was incredible. There were strong notes of simmered cherries and freshly baked cake, plus hints of earthy notes like tobacco and mushroom. The flavor matched the delectable smells. I got a hit of acidity upfront, which transitioned to rich, juicy fruits, and finally hints of spice and depth from the tannins. This wine had a really nice balance of flavors and textures. I’ll be sipping this again with a dinner of steak, baked or mashed potatoes, and a crisp salad, as the balanced yet bold flavor of the wine really begs for a hearty meal.
Derek Rohlffs Single Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Syrah 2021
After just spending a long weekend in Sonoma County with friends, it was a treat to come home to this Sonoma County wine in my Naked Wines subscription box. This bottle promised a bold and intense wine that was still heavy on the fruit flavor—my ideal wine. The smell was interesting; I noticed an astringent note at first, then a plummy note before it settled into the scent of mushrooms.
Despite the somewhat strange, layered aroma, the flavor was well-balanced and pleasant, if a little less complex and robust than I had expected. It has a blueberry note at first, then a blend of warm spices like cinnamon and black pepper. The tannins were strong and left my mouth feeling dry after each sip. I really enjoyed this wine, and while I usually drink reds more often in cooler weather, this one is begging to pair with wood-fired pizza, grilled meats, or barbecue, all meals I love to eat in the summer.
Value – Was This Box Worth It?
The Cost: Wine Genie boxes vary, depending on the wines you receive. You can also become a crowdfunder, known as an Angel, where you contribute $40 per month, and that cost goes into your next purchase, including for subscription orders. Angels get up to 60% off each wine.
Total Value: $230.94 (or $135.94 with Angel Prices)
Value Breakdown:
- Mauricio Lorca Rosado Extra Brut 2022: $20.99 (or Angel Price of $14.99)
- Rod Easthope Reserve Hawkes Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2023: $21.99 (or Angel Price of $14.99)
- David Marchesi Napa Chardonnay 2021: $34.99 (or Angel Price of $22.99)
- Patrice Grasset Sancerre Pinot Noir 2021: $38.99 (or Angel Price of $27.99)
- The Strasser Collection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021: $64.99 (or Angel Price of $34.99)
- Derek Rohlffs Single Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Syrah 2021: $48.99 (or Angel Price of $19.99)
Key Takeaways
I enjoyed my first box from Naked Wines, but this box blew the last one away. Maybe it’s because there were several California wines in here, and California wines are what I’m used to, or maybe Naked Wines is already nailing down my preferences after feedback from the first box. Either way, I found several favorites to save to my wishlist on Naked Wines for future repurchases.
One of my favorites in this box was the Rod Easthope Reserve Hawkes Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2023, which was the juiciest, most refreshing wine I could ever ask for when the temperatures outside were hovering around 90°F to 95°F.
I also really enjoyed the The Strasser Collection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 and Derek Rohlffs Single Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Syrah 2021, both of which are good enough to sip year-round, even in the summer heat. I thought both of these wines would stand up well to hearty pastas, pizzas, and grilled proteins.
I loved the budget-friendly bubbly, the Mauricio Lorca Rosado Extra Brut 2022, which is now a must-have for my brunches. I’ll be saving this one to my wishlist as well to buy again again in the very near future.
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To Wrap Up:
Can you still get this box if you sign up today? You can join the Wine Genie anytime, but based on your wine preferences outlined in the Naked Wines quiz, you may get different wines in your box. However, you can order any of these bottles any time.
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What do you think of this box from Naked Wines? Which wine are you most looking forward to trying?
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