The Big House wines are part of the Underdog Wine Merchants Portfolio. The wines are called Big House because the vineyards are near the Soledad prison in California.
2008 Big House “The Birdman” Pinot Grigio, Central Coast, California, 13.5% alcohol, $7.99, tasted 2/4/10. Lightly herbal nose with citrus peel and some flinty mineral notes. Good fruit and acidity. A nice crisp Pinot Grigio with a medium length and finish (Distributed by Dan Smith with SWS-Crown.) Raymond Rating = 86 points
2009 Big House White, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, Marsanne, Malvasia Bianca, Orange Muscat and Muscat Canelli, California, 13.0% alcohol, $7.99, tasted 2/4/10. Rich nose of peaches and honeysuckle with rose petal and mineral highlights. Very good fruit with nice complexity and medium-plus length and a touch of white pepper on the finish. A great value that will go with many foods. (Distributed by Dan Smith with SWS-Crown.) Raymond Rating = 88 points
2008 Big House “The Lineup” GSM, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Central Coast, California, 13.5% alcohol, $7.99, tasted 2/4/10. Coffee, pipe tobacco, and red fruits on the nose. Moderate tannins, good fruit, medium finish, and medium length. (Distributed by Dan Smith with SWS-Crown.) Raymond Rating = 85 points
2006 Big House “The Prodigal Son” Petite Sirah, Central Coast, California, 13.5% alcohol, $7.99, tasted 2/4/10. Blackberries and spices with woody overtones on the nose. Good fruit. Though not overly hard, the tannins tend to dominate the medium finish. (Distributed by Dan Smith with SWS-Crown.) Raymond Rating = 85 points
2006 Big House “The Slammer” Syrah, Central Coast, California, 13.5% alcohol, $7.99, tasted 2/4/10. Smoky, meaty nose with dark berries. Very good fruit, soft but sufficient tannins. Medium finish and length with some complexity. (Distributed by Dan Smith with SWS-Crown.) Raymond Rating = 87 points
2007 Wyndham Estate Bin 555 Shiraz, South Eastern Australia, $12.99, 13.5% alcohol, tasted 2/1/10. Coffee, tobacco, dark chocolate, berries, and a touch of eucalyptus on the nose. Good fruit with a medium finish and length. (Distributed by Dan Smith with SWS-Crown.) Raymond Rating = 86 points