The red wines begin with the dark ruby-colored 2008 The Stump Jump Red which is a blend of 42% Grenache, 36% Shiraz, and 22% Mourvedre. It delivers an attractive nose of spicy red and blue fruits leading to an easy-going, tasty, seamless wine that can be enjoyed over the next 3 years. As usual, it is a terrific value. The d’Arenberg portfolio is loaded with values. The winery works with over 140 growers to fashion their superb blends. For the 2008 vintage, the entry-level The Stump Jump series has been expanded.Importer: Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA; www.oldbridgecellars.com

(South Australia) Tea, cherries, plum, spice and summer pudding nose. Sweet and plush fruit, enough grip to satisfy and supple tannins.

This Grenache-dominant blend opens with a less-than-pleasant scent of paint thinner hiding behind more usual tones of spiced plums and candied cherries. There’s nice raspberry fruit on the finish, buoyed by a sharp whack of acidity. Drink now. ——W.E.(6/1/2010)—— 85