Bargain Wine of the Week: Big House White 2009

This quiet little inexpensive bottle of wine from the Central Coast of California that costs $7.99 (some places $7.49) has an incredible ratings history.

In the last 15 years, this bottle has scored several 90s and has missed a rating of some kind only two years in all of that time. We bought this bottle some time ago because we saw it on somebody's best 100 list and somebody else's best 10 under $10.

This wine has a hint of grapefruit on the acidy side and lychee on the sweet side of your mouth (although it's a dry wine). The lingering taste after it goes down is the best apricot you ever ate. It is best for summer sipping, but don't take that as a knock or a hedge. The wine is perfect for Asian fare or mixed appetizers.

The winery owners have some fun with the name. Here's what it says on the rear label:

"Yadda, yadda, yadda, warden! Break outta the confines of stuffy tradition with the Stelvin (screw top), an unrepentently practical closure by a long stretch. Cagney or Robinson would never deem it a dirty screw. Yo, the '09 Big House White is an extremely elegant, diverse blend viz. Malvasia Bianco, Muscat Canelli, Viognier and Gruner Vetliner. It more than Sing-Sings for its supper."

One more thing: it is available in 3 liter boxes for $22. That's the equivalent of four bottles. Nice deal.