WTN: 2005 d'Arenberg "Stump Jump" GSM

2005 d'Arenberg "Stump Jump" GSM
OK, I'm not usually a fan of Australian wines (nice generalization eh?), but when I stopped by the local shop today they had a bottle of this open. Darn nice and would be even better with some grilled meats. Not at all overblown or over-oaked (yes there is some oak). Very nice persistency on the finish. The only quibble is a bit of a hole in the mid-palate, but this may fill in a bit with time. Not one to age for years and years...pretty darn nice right now. Under screwcap and priced right at ~$12.
Bill

[Jenise]

Bill, this is a wine I used to keep on hand for a neighbor and frequent dinner guest who preferred red wine but liked a juicy, less serious style. What you tasted sounds like a step up from what I remember, which is all to the good.

[James Roscoe]

I generally like it as a "Tuesday night" type wine. It's easy on the wallet.

I haven't purchased this wine for a while, but I really do like it as well, especially for the price. I am a big fan of Southern Rhone wines, and with the GSM blend in "stump jump," it offers that combination, but with a little more glycerol pizazz that seems consistent with many Australian reds that I've had. I think it's a perfect match with pizza or a night of burgers on the grill. Plus, it seems to appeal to almost everybody so it's a perfect choice for me when sharing with friends who don't appreciate the earthy subtleties of a true Rhone GSM.