d'Arenberg The Stump Jump Shiraz 2008
d’Arenberg is one of the most significant wineries in Australia’s McLaren Vale region. In 1912 Joseph Osborn, a non-drinker and director of Thomas Hardy and Sons, purchased the well established Milton Vineyards in the hills now known as McLaren Vale. Shortly after, Joseph’s son, Frank Osborn, left medical school, choosing to forsake the scalpel for pruning shears. In 1943 Frank’s son Francis d’Arenberg Osborn, universally known as “d’Arry”, returned from school, age 16, to help his ill father run the business, eventually assuming full management in 1957. In 1959 d’Arry decided to launch his own label d’Arenberg, named in honor of his mother, Frances Helena d’Arenberg.
The winemaking processes of the past have been maintained, capturing the unique small-batch character of the wines and the true flavor of the McLaren Vale region. All grapes, red and white, are basket-pressed. The reds are still traditionally fermented with the grape skins (caps) submerged in open wax-lined concrete fermenters utilizing the age-old technique of foot-treading.
The Stump Jump wines are the perfect introduction to the d'Arenberg range and are perfect every-day wines. These wines are made to compliment a myriad of food styles and any occasion. The label design reflects the humor of the d'Arenberg brand. It was inspired by an optometrist’s eye chart. Test your own sight by holding the bottle at arm’s length. Can you read the bottom line? If so, reward yourself with another glass. The name ‘Stump Jump’ pays homage to a significant South Australian invention – the Stump Jump plough. As well as clearing the land around McLaren Vale, it was adopted worldwide in the late 19th century because of its ability to ride over stumps and gnarled roots, saving valuable time and energy.
These wines are best drunk young and with good company. In appearance, the Shiraz is a dark, exciting-looking dry red wine with a light cherry red color. The initial aromas are dominated with ripe red fruits, plum, cherry, and cranberry notes with spice. Smoky green notes appear in the background. The palate is soft, ripe, and quite refined with the flavors showing an emphasis on such red fruits as strawberries and raspberries. The 2008 Shiraz delivers fresh, ripe flavor and finesse. Wine Spectator recently placed this wine among the top 100 most exciting wines of 2009.
Wine Spectator
Ripe and open-textured, this is impressive for the way it packs in the cherry, blackberry and raspberry flavors and doesn't take the foot off the gas pedal until the mineral-inflected finish has played through. Drink now through 2018.
Score: 90.
—Harvey Steiman,
September
30,
2009.
All sizes are 750mL unless otherwise noted.
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability subject to change.
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