Revelry Vintners thinks outside the box

I come from a long line of wine drinkers. When I was younger, my parents went through wine "phases," when they would settle on a favorite varietal for a while, then move on to the next trend in the wine world. One summer it was Pinot Gris; the next, Vouvray. If I recall correctly, there was even a boxed-wine phase -- I could swear I spotted some Franzia in our fridge.

In the years since, boxed wines have gotten a bad rap, but one local vintner is hoping to turn things around for wines that aren't bottled. Winemaker Jared Burns started Revelry Vintners in 2006 and has crafted three delicious wines using fruit from the Columbia Valley. His varietals include a Chardonnay, a Merlot and a Cabernet Sauvignon. All three retail for $19.95 and all are boxed wines.

Well, to be more precise, all come in an innovative 1.5-liter (that's twice as much wine as a regular glass bottle) cylindrical cardboard cask. Inside is a bladder that keeps the wine fresh for up to 30 days after opening. (As if wine could stick around that long in my house!) Burns comes by his interest in oenophilic innovation honestly: His dad invented the world's first synthetic wine cork.

My favorite of the Revelry wines is the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, which won a Double Gold medal at the 2007 Wine Press Northwest Platinum Tasting in Kennewick. With a touch of Cabernet Franc and an infusion of vanilla and spice from the oak barrels it was aged in, this Cab is layered with berries and fruit.

The Merlot, also aged in oak, is full-bodied, but goes down smooth with hints of blueberry and black cherry. The Chardonnay, the only white in the trio, has notes of pear and pineapple with hints of caramel and bananas. A crisp, balanced acidity makes this wine perfect for sipping on warm spring and summer evenings.

If your interest has been piqued, you can sample Revelry's wines at Coupage in Madrona on May 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. Ten dollars gets you tastes of all three wines, as well as delicious nibbles from Chef Tom Hurley.

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