R Wines Southern Gothic Poor Thing Grenache 2008
-
Parker
Robert
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Receive one of three possible labels featuring original artwork by James Jean*
Poor Thing is classic Barossa Grenache made to be expressive, complex, yet understated and hospitable in your mouth.
A bright ruby red color. Aromas of cloves and nutmeg combined with toffee and caramel. The sweet palate of blueberry jam, fruitcake and quince paste.
*Specific labels cannot be requested
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2008 Poor Thing Grenache spent 16 months in neutral French and American oak. Dark ruby colored, it sports an already complex nose of damp earth, underbrush, garrigue, raspberry and kirsch. Intense, concentrated, and seamless on the palate, it will deliver enjoyment for another 8 years.
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
A large, climatically diverse country with incredibly diverse terrain, producing just about every wine style imaginable, Australia has a grand winemaking history and some of the oldest vines on the planet. Both red wine and white wine from Australian are wildly popular and beloved. Most of Australia's wine regions are concentrated in the south of the country with those inland experiencing warm, dry conditions and those in coastal areas receiving tropical, maritime or Mediterranean weather patterns. Australia has for several decades been at the forefront of winemaking technology and has widely adopted the use of screwcaps, even for some premium and ultra-premium bottles. Thanks to the country’s relatively agreeable climate throughout and the openness of its people, experimentation is common and ongoing.
Shiraz is indeed Australia’s most celebrated and widely planted variety; Barossa Valley leads the way, producing exceptionally bold and supple versions. Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia's second most planted variety, can be blended with Shiraz but also shines on its own particularly in Coonawarra and Margaret River. Grenache and Mourvèdre are also popular, both on their own and alongside Shiraz in Rhône Blends. Chardonnay is common throughout the country and made in a wide range of styles. Sauvignon Blanc has recently surged in popularity to compete with New Zealand’s distinctive version and Semillon is often blended in Margaret River or shines on its own in the Hunter Valley. Riesling thrives in the cool-climate Clare and Eden Valleys. Sticky-sweet fortified wine Rutherglen is a beloved regional specialty of Victoria.