Well, at least this year we weren’t “burning down da House,” but it was an unusually long and cool season that led to berries with low yields and great concentration again. This Big House Red lives up to that old Fruit Bomb moniker that you’ve come to expect. It starts with a nose full of blackberries and raspberries, with hints of leather and spices. The palate is clean, exhibiting flavors of cranberries, roses and a touch of rhubarb. This finish lingers, with flavors of vanilla and a touch of dark cherries in the finish.

The grapes underwent a cold soak for a couple of days, and then were fermented at 60°-65°F. Portions of the blend underwent malolactic fermentation and a barrel regime with mostly French and American neutral oak.

As The Warden, Georgetta Dane, it is one of my responsibilities to inform you about The Big House! Big House Winery in Soledad, CA (Monterey County) is a mere ankle iron’s toss from the Soledad State Correctional Facility, a.k.a. “the Big House,” “The Clink,” “The Slammer,” which explains the recurring prison theme depicted on the labels. The brand’s cornerstone is a rebellious New World winemaking style blending Mediterranean varieties. Big House wines unshackle consumers from ball and chain wine choices and rules, creating criminally exhilarating everyday wines.