An excellent value, the 2003 The Stump Jump Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvedre (73%, 14% and 13% respectively) offers peppery, cherry notes with hints of kirsch liqueur, earth, and dusty, loamy soil. It is an authentic Australian Cotes du Rhone-styled red to drink over the next 1-2 years. Importer: Rob McDonald, Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 258-9552

Smells of sweet berries, apples and grapes. On the palate, it's a food-sized wine, but it's not very distinctive varietally (cut it some slack, it's a blended wine). Just the kind of no-brainer you want for pizza night. Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre. 15,000 cases produced.——D.T.(3/1/2005)—— 85