Box Wines
A wine blog with news and reviews of affordable wines

Price: $8
Maker: d’Arenberg, McLaren Vale, Australia
Varietal: Grenache, Shiraz, and Mourvedre blend
Packaging: 750 ml bottle, screw cap
Alcohol: 14.5%
Our Rating: 9 out of 10

d’Arenberg The Stump Jump Red 2005 was another find on my Trader Joe’s expedition, and the second winner in a row. This is a big, bold, spicy red wine that Shiraz and Zinfandel lovers will enjoy. The nose is a powerful mix of spice and licorice. On the palate, this wine starts with juicy currant and plum, and finishes with chewy tannins and long-lasting pepper. It’s well-balanced and moderately complex. I admit to favoring bold reds, and this one hit my sweet spot.

The Stump Jump Red is a blend of Grenache (46%), Shiraz (34%), and Mourvedre (20%), all from South Australia. It won a “blue-gold” medal in the 2007 Sydney International Wine Competition, meaning it finished in the top 10% of wines tasted. Gourmet Traveller Wine named it a “Best Buy Under $15.” In the blogosphere, Dr. Debs at WineWaves said, “Enjoy small batch wine at a big batch price… always a winner.” The Rake found it drinkable and ultra-smooth. Mouthwatering recommends the wine to accompany their Chicken and Chorizo Cassoulet recipe. The Screwcap thought, “This is a round and earthy Australian wine with a nice long finish. Shows sweet characteristics of shiraz/grenache tempered nicely by the gamier mouvedre. Good stuff.” Tastes of Life liked Stump Jump’s fruity character and proclaimed it a “nice wine for the price.” Scriven Stuff declared it, “My newest favorite wine under $15.” It’s not that common to see such a high percentage of accolades; usually, a wine will be called “undrinkable plonk” by at least one or two bloggers. Give The Stump Jump Red a try and see if you agree.

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