I have a giant soft spot for this wine. Ok, that’s putting it mildly. At one point I had a love affair with this wine! It has cooled with the general unavailability of the ’08 vintage but there’s hope. 2009′s The Stump Jump Red is every bit the stunner as her older sister. This is about the friendliest, most approachable wine you’ll find. It’s a classic Grenache, Shiraz, Mouvedre blend from McLaren Vale, South Australia and if you don’t like it you’re a monster.
Let’s start on the outside. I’m a sucker for good packaging and the super-fun, eye catching optometrist chart labels of The Stump Jump wines are simple, irresistible, perfection. Screw off the cap (I said approachable, remember?) and your nose will be greeted by an overwhelming wave of cherry followed by some spice, slight cotton candy and what I can only describe as green Jolly Rancher. You’ll want to smell this one thoroughly.
On tasting you will find more cherry and Jolly Rancher before The Stump Jump Red takes a brooding left turn through the Mocha hills and into Coffeeville then back to cherry because you will already be taking sip two. Ya, this wine is drinkable. I tried pairing it with a cherry pie but it completely shot the wine down. I tried pairing it with black licorice but it threw the wine into the river with cement shoes. Red meats are probably a better road but The Stump Jump is best on it’s own. It deserves your singular attention and you will be rewarded for it.
The Stump Jump Red by d’Arenberg is an incredible value at around $10 retail and as low as $7.99 at Total Wine. You can’t afford not to treat yourself!
Most excellent writing Jackson! This post was amazing, almost as good as the wine, but not quite!
Have yet to try the 2009 but can not wait until I do, especially if it takes a sharp left into Coffeeville like you so excellently described.
Great post. Love this wine, miss the 08! I may have to go to Total Wine.