2004 d'Arenberg "The Stump Jump"

[Drew]

This is the first vintage of one of my personal favorite "go to" wines that showed poorly. Clear dark ruby, nose completely closed. Muted and diluted raspberry, dark cherry, blackberry, red and black fruit flavors with very little of the Stump Jump spiciness that you could always count on. Rather thin and uninteresting. Might be bottle variation and will try another before I say goodby to this long time friend. 14%Alc/vol. $8.99

Drew

[Drew]

Can you say "retraction"? Arrived home from the beach last night and Eileen had an open bottle of this and, voilla, delicious. Spicy raspberry and red fruit intermixed with hints of dark fruit, some garrique (funk)and tar on the finish. Really nice. Musta forgot to take the coat off of the tongue on the first go round. I just hope this isn't wide spread bottle variation.

Drew

[Innkeeper]

'05 Tonight; $10.49 at Kappy's. According to the current edition of The Wine News this is best value in the world of a GSM.

We agree. As Drew said about the '04: "Spicy raspberry and red fruit intermixed with hints of dark fruit, some garrique (funk)and tar on the finish." Couldn't have said it better.

Matched it with sauteed loin ends, leftover beans from Easter, and fresh French green beans. Wonderful. Is it only Wednesday?

[Drew]

Haven't seen the '05 in our parts yet, IK. How is it you got it with all that schnee you be getting? BTW, hunker down...more schnee comming.

Drew

[Innkeeper]

Well, a couple of weeks ago our youngest daughter had to have someone to go to the Boston Flower Show with her. I said I would only go if she stopped at Kappy's on the way home. Hence our load of Stump Jump, schnee or no schnee.

[Innkeeper]

Six inches on the ground, driveway, deck, and car; and still coming down hard.

Therefore, more SJ tonight with pasta, pesto, chicken sausage, and salad. Good night.

[Drew]

Found and bought a couple of bottles at $9.99 and do agree still very tasty. I think it displays a bit more red berry flavors than previous vintages but that's not a bad thing.

Drew