d'Arenberg The Stump Jump Red 2005

Does it matter that no down-under critter icon was abused in the labeling of this amazing Australian red wine value? Do you care that the stump jump is a farm implement that can plough (plow) a row while riding over eucalyptus stumps? You will agree this wine is always a good deal and this year it's downright great for the $10 asking price.

Fourth generation Chief Winemaker Chester d’Arenberg Osborn turns out some of the best bargains from Australia. d'Arenberg The Stump Jump Red is a quintessential blend dominated by Grenache (46%) and perfectly conjoined with Shiraz (34%) and Mourvèdre (20%). These are of course grapes which are well known in the Rhône Valley of France and also in Spain where Mourvedre is called Monastrell.

The d'Arenberg approach involves gentle basket pressing, minimally filtering and keeping batches small and separate until blending.

Excellent value ($10). Closure: Screw cap. Alcohol content: 14.5%.

Style: Fruit-forward, approaching lush, with some oak spice.

Tasting Notes: Appearance: Deep cranberry ruby with a nice haze. Aromas: Plum, raspberry, cherry, spicy vanilla and a bit of earth. Medium-bodied with moderate soft tannins and good tartness, the ample raspy fruit and good gravelly backbone are in nice balance and the warm dry finish shows a bit of wood.

Comment: Enjoy small batch wine at a big batch price.

Comments

[Dr. Debs]

This one is always a winner. Good to know the new bottling is as good as the past ones have been. Bonny Doon Big House used to be as good, but since Grahm sold the label and now it's just "Big House Red" it's not as interesting as it once was.

[Hiro]

love this wine

[Birdonawire]

Just tried the 2006 vintage. Was a bit sceptical because pure Shiraz as well as pure Monastrells are usually not really my favourites. But I like this blend. I must admit that I have not been aware that this kind of cuvée is popular in some Rhône areas. I definitely have to try these too, but I doubt that I will find anything similar for the price of the Stump Jump. Or does anyone have an idea ?