Can boxed wine be 'corked'?!?

Question

I just bought a box of chardonnay tonight (high-end box wine... no Franzia here), and for the first time since, well, ever... It tasted what I've always referred to as 'corked'. A vinegar, foul taste and smell, that I can only attribute to spoilage, and I've always assumed that the cork and its sealing properties were to blame.

My question is........ Can boxed wines become 'corked'??

The one I just bought (I compared it to the last of the one in the fridge - same brand, same label) was markedly different and completely undrinkable.

Anyone have any info on if wine can become tainted in a box?

Answer 1

It can be tainted or taste different if it's stored improperly, handled improperly, or from a different year.  

But make sure it's really the exact same brand and variety, some wines are known for being very acidic, which can be confused with being corked or otherwise going bad.

Answer 2

take it back

any sign that the container leaked? if so air has got at it and its deteriated.

Answer 3

Something happened to it.  Any good liquor store should replace it.

Maybe it was stored at a high temp.

Answer 4

yes, it can.

corked wine   means it has been contaminated with TCA

(2,4,6-Trichloroanisole) which historically came from the cork, but other contaminations are possible.

but yours sounds like it went to vinegar - not like corked  - which is usually described as a musty smell.

Answer 5

I have never come across that and I would say no.

Check the expiry date, is all I can suggest.

Answer 6

Yes it can, but very unlikely

There are no "high end" box wines. Box wine and jug wine are the dregs and castoffs. Blech.