"The bitch is back". Bernie Taupin's wife Maxine is said to have coined the phrase when she witnessed Elton John in one of his "famous foul moods", complaining about everything. Taupin liked the phrase, as did Elton who gave it a melody and adopted it as his "theme song", recording it into history in 1974. Some have even attached the line to Hillary Clinton much more recently, and there are days when it fits me too. Can you relate? Drink amongst yourselves.
Dan Phillips of Grateful Palate certainly struck a chord when he named this ironically very approachable lush Grenache from Barossa the name "Bitch". It has become the liquid anthem for ceremonies of marriage, divorce, birthdays, and baby showers. Grenache has been around forever, but Phillips has clearly put it on the map at last by giving it a name that sticks.
Dan has some talented friends down under, including the duo of grower David Hickinbotham and winemaker Chris Ringland who helped him bring this 100% Grenache from Barossa to the market. When Dan isn't importing wine, he is searching out and bringing to market the finest artisan bacons available in the USA, and his Bacon of the Month Club is "a must".
Much like last year's inaugural vintage, the 2005 Bitch is loaded with pizzazz, maybe just a touch firmer. Appearance: Medium crimson to cranberry with a slight unfiltered haze, bright pink around the edges to match the label. Aromas: Raspberry, cherry, Belgian milk chocolate, Madagascar vanilla, and hints of nutmeg. Ripe and sweet-tart around the edges, dry on the tongue with youthful mild tannins that are just a bit gravelly. Chocolate covered raspberry and cherry flavors finish firmly with a hint of gravelly mineral and pepper, not to mention a real "kick".
This red is on the money for what it's trying to be, and is arguably more effective than a box of Godiva chocolates at 1/3 the price.
Outstanding value ($10). Closure: Screw cap. Alcohol content: 15%.
Food pairing: A selection of artisan dried meats or a "kick ass" bacon lettuce and tomato sandwich served with a flavorful soup.
Winewaves reviewed the 2004 vintage of Bitch Barossa Grenache.
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hi...i live inport washington new york zip 11050. i tried a bottle of "bitch" while on vacation in florida and would love a case. please let me know where i can purchase it in my area. thanks
Posted by: nadine wolff | February 18, 2007 at 02:42 PM
What stores in Houston sell your wine? I got a bottle last week at the Liquor Source and they have no more!!! I need a few more bottles QUICK!!!! GREAT LABEL and HYSTERICAL!!! wine is good, too!!!! :)
Posted by: cathy | February 22, 2007 at 12:16 PM
Does anyone know where I can get this wine in Washington, I am wanting to get it for two friends that are pregnant????
Posted by: VICKI WOOD | February 22, 2007 at 09:45 PM
I mistakenly posted this on the 2004 vintage Bitch....;
I opened a 2005 Bitch for the first time tonight. When I bought it, at Cental Market in Southlake, TX, I thought they may have pushed it because of the attention getting name. This is NOT a "gimicky" Grenache. While I paid a bit more at $14, I found it to be well worth the price and certainly will not be the last bottle bought.
Posted by: Brent | March 03, 2007 at 09:24 PM
I LOVE THIS WINE!!!!!! This is one of my favorites.
Posted by: Medina | March 14, 2007 at 08:10 PM
I had this wine at Cru - West Village in Dallas. Though it has a pink label and named "Bitch", it's definitely masculine enough to drink. I found this in Dallas, Tx at Sigel's for $11.99 and I do believe it can be found at Eatzi's too.
Posted by: Spanky | April 09, 2007 at 07:53 PM
I found this stuff on http://www.lakeliquor.com/ they have a lot of it.
Posted by: Rory | May 16, 2007 at 12:39 PM
Great wine in a great bottle!!!
Posted by: Dana | May 16, 2007 at 07:06 PM
Great wine just wish I could get my hands on a large quantity for my store, haven't been able get any for quite some time as my distributor has been out for a while. Patiently waiting for next release!
Posted by: Casa De Vino Apple Valley Ca. | June 01, 2007 at 06:08 PM
Is there a store in the Maryland/DC/Northern Virginia area that sells this?
Posted by: Annette | June 06, 2007 at 02:39 PM
I bought Bitch wine after a wine tasting event in Seaford DE. We bought 3 bottles at that time. I have shared it with a few friends, who also enjoy the wine (and the name). The only problem is that my local wine/liquor store can't seem to get anymore in...they say it's been ordered for about 2 months. Are there any other distributors in the Delaware area?
Posted by: Wayne | June 14, 2007 at 07:06 AM
where can I place an order.... I want a case! =)
Posted by: Gladdy | July 01, 2007 at 10:49 PM
Had a bottle of this at the a steakhouse in San Diego (where I live)and was wondering where I could buy a bottle around here.
Posted by: Scott | July 06, 2007 at 10:20 AM
A friend of mine bought me a bottle of the Bitch when she was in Delaware. Needless to say we absolutely loved it!!!! The bottle is so cool I'm saving it for a decoration in my bar at home. I live in Michigan and am desperate to find out how I can purchase it for myself and gifts for girlfriends!!
Posted by: Jennifer | July 12, 2007 at 08:11 PM
Where can I purchase this Wine? I live in Illinois but currently cummute between LAX and Chicago each week.
Posted by: J.Linskey | July 28, 2007 at 08:29 PM
where can i find Bitch wine in birmingham alabama?
Posted by: brandy | August 07, 2007 at 01:45 PM
hi i'm from the philippines, i read everything about this wine even your comments from other people. it was intersting just wanna ask if your wine are already import here in our country just wanna try your wine it looks like your wine has something people can't explain or amaze in your product... i'll try to look for your wine here in our market if you import it already
Posted by: shekinah | August 14, 2007 at 03:28 AM
Hello. A customer came in to our restaurant requesting this wine. Looks like fun! Who carries this in PA? thank you!
Posted by: kristin | August 24, 2007 at 02:00 PM
Scott in S.D. Stock has been very limited and i found it at 2 wine shops in No.County, The Meritage Wine Shop and Wine Street. However, they are presently soldout and are waiting on another shipment
Posted by: Suzann | August 31, 2007 at 03:34 PM
I live in New Jersey and am desperate to find out how I can purchase it for myself and gifts for girlfriends!!
Posted by: Nicole Fleming | September 19, 2007 at 12:25 PM
Where can I purchase Bitch in Burlington County, NJ?
Posted by: David Thayer | September 25, 2007 at 06:40 PM
In need of Bitch in st.charles,mo.63301
please send info
Posted by: missy shockley | October 03, 2007 at 10:15 AM
Please tell me if I can buy this anywhere in Dallas Texas??
Posted by: Kira | November 05, 2007 at 02:54 PM
There is no link on this website to place an order. What's the point of displaying the goods if they are not available? I don't get it!!!
Posted by: David | November 17, 2007 at 08:37 AM
Hello! Where can I purchase this wine in Connecticut? Thanks!
Posted by: Angela | December 01, 2007 at 10:34 AM