I’m constantly on the hunt for rich, full bodied wines for under $20. Most just don’t deliver. The majority of bargain wines are made from bargain grapes. Flavors are not as concentrated, which means they can not be extracted as much during the wine making process. The end result: light bodied, fruity wines with little to no character.
I recently picked up a bottle of 2008 Bitch Grenache, from Southern Australia. While it’s not on the label, most of the fruit in the wine is coming from 25 year old vines (and some vines as old as 70 years) in The Barossa Valley, Riverland, and McClaren Vale. For $12, this wine is a winner. Weighing in at a whopping 15.5% alcohol, this thing is a huge wine for the price. The 2008 vintage saw a massive heat wave around mid-season, which is one of the reasons for the high alcohol and big body. While the alcohol is a little out of whack (you definitely feel the heat), I’d still rate this wine a solid 7 on a 10 point scale. Which is incredible for a wine this price. Some might find this wine a little flabby, it could use a little bit more tannic structure. I’d rate this wine at 84 points.
Tasting notes from the wine maker: “Brick red, with pink hues. Sweet, boiled lollies, confectionary nose, some cinnamon spice. Good weight and length on finish.” I get some great bubblegum notes, and a slight smokiness as well.
The Bitch is produced by R Wines, and imported by The Grateful Palate. R Wines also produces the well-known Marquis Phillips wines. While I found this bottle for $12 in a local shop, I’ve seen it as cheap as $8 online. Worth every penny.
