A couple weeks ago, a Budget Wino reader asked me to review Big House red. This was not the first time someone had mentioned this wine. It seems to be a pretty popular red table wine. It also is a great example of how different people’s palettes can influence wine impressions. Some people love this wine- I mean truly adore it. Me? Not so much. 
The day I tried this wine I was definitely on a mission. I was going to cook myself dinner. My recipe of choice? -Chicken Picatta. You need to understand that it’s a rare occasion that I get the impulse to cook. As the impulse arose, I decided to run with it. I went to my local grocery store and bought my ingredients. While there, I passed the wine section. The first wine that caught my eye was The Big House. Remembering the reader request, I bought a bottle and went on my way.
I got home and started cooking. I was going to hold off on the wine until dinner, but I couldn’t resist the urge to give the Big House a try. I poured a glass, and as I sipped away I found myself disappointed. It was okay, but not the great wine I had hoped it would be. This wine seemed to have so much hype, but there I was- unimpressed. I found the Big House to be a little too thin and a bit too fruity. I hoped that my so-so opinion would change as my palette adjusted, but that didn’t happen. I tried drinking a glass with dinner, but combining it with food didn’t improve my opinion. In the end, this wine reminded me of a movie that is totally overrated. You go see it, and even though the movie is good, it never lives up to the expectations. Maybe if I had discovered this wine without any outside influence I would have enjoyed it more. I guess we’ll never know.
Recommendation: Consider buying it
Bonny doon makes some fine wines, but I agree this is not one of the better wines. I believe that Bonny Doon sold this line of wines, but I am not sure to whom. Check out the 2004 Domaine des Blagueurs Syrah-Sirrah, it is not bad at all. Also if you haven't already try Red Truck wines. http://www.redtruckwine.com/wines/red.asp. They are under the 10 dollar mark and pretty nice for an everyday wine.
Posted by: geri | March 01, 2007 at 11:47 AM
I am finally back and able to read this page! phew...
I love the analogy of an overhyped movie for this wine. Perfect description.
By the way, I finally have a space of my own if you want to take a look... http://glucker.blogspot.com
Posted by: Glucker | March 02, 2007 at 10:01 AM
2004 Abrazo Del Toro, Tinto, Cariñena
This is a must try... this is my new favorite TJ's offering. It is delicious and I think it is being priced around $4.99 or so...
Posted by: Glucker | March 02, 2007 at 10:11 AM
Agreed. Big House Red is not one of my favorites. I remember pouring most of it down the drain, something I always hate to do. It is possible that the wine was stored improperly and went rancid, but since I didn't detect anything truly foul in the aroma... buyer beware.
Definitely overrated. A nice Bogle Old Vine Zin or Avalon Napa Cab (white label, not orange) will blow it away for about the same price.
Posted by: Nick | March 02, 2007 at 09:49 PM
Ouch. Who knew my taste buds were so out of touch. One man's trash is another man's treasure, I guess. Hm, has anybody tried the barefoot wines? I'd like to see how wrong I am on those too...
Posted by: Doc T | March 03, 2007 at 07:45 PM