Product Description
The Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz 2021 is a wine of exceptional character and finesse, showcasing the outstanding potential of the Armagh Vineyard in the Clare Valley. Named by the original Irish settlers in 1849, the Armagh vineyard was planted by Jim Barry in 1968 and remains one of the Clare Valley’s most prized and low-yielding sites, producing less than two tonnes per acre. The vineyard’s north-west facing slope acts as a natural sun trap, ensuring full ripeness of the fruit, while the sandy gravel soils and Mediterranean climate provide the perfect conditions for crafting a Shiraz of depth and complexity.
The 2021 vintage of The Armagh Shiraz is an extraordinary example of the power and elegance that this vineyard can produce. Vibrant fruit aromas of blueberry, redcurrant, and purple fruits lead the nose, supported by nuanced notes of sage, violets, liquorice, and Kalamata olive tapenade. The palate bursts with layers of dark fruit, including cranberry, blackberry, and a perfumed orange oil finish. Fine tannins and a burst of mulberry acidity create a long, expansive finish, while a touch of fresh herbs and spice adds complexity. This vintage magnifies all the best qualities of the vineyard, resulting in a wine of exceptional tension, energy, and precision.
Maker
Jim Barry Wines is a name deeply woven into the fabric of South Australia's Clare Valley, a region renowned for its world-class wines. Established by Jim Barry, the first qualified winemaker in the Clare Valley, the winery’s legacy is one of pioneering spirit, innovation, and a commitment to producing exceptional wines. Jim’s journey began in 1947 when he graduated from Roseworthy Agricultural College, and over the following decades, he played a pivotal role in shaping the Clare Valley into a benchmark region for Riesling and premium Australian wines.
Jim’s early mentorship from Napa Valley’s Robert Mondavi helped solidify the vision for Leeuwin Estate and the Barry family's future in winemaking. Today, Peter Barry, Jim’s son, serves as the managing director, continuing the family’s legacy of producing site-expressive wines with dedication and precision. Now, three generations of the Barry family work alongside a skilled team to produce outstanding wines from the family’s extensive portfolio of vineyards in the Clare Valley and Coonawarra regions. The estate’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and respect for the land ensures that Jim Barry Wines remains at the forefront of Australian winemaking.
The Vineyard | The Armagh
Located in the heart of the Clare Valley, The Armagh Vineyard is one of Jim Barry Wines' most renowned and historically significant properties. Purchased by Jim and Nancy Barry in 1964, this 70-acre vineyard sits on a northwest-facing slope at an elevation of 367 metres, bisected by the Armagh Creek. The vineyard’s unique location, with a combination of alluvial flats and gently sloping hills, allows for optimal sunlight exposure and minimal soil erosion. The soils here consist of sandy clay over pebbly alluvial layers, which provide excellent drainage and ensure low fertility, naturally limiting vine vigor and leading to small-berried, concentrated fruit.
The vineyard is home to Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec, with the oldest Shiraz vines—planted in 1968—thriving in this pristine environment. The combination of ancient soils, a cooler climate at higher elevation, and traditional viticultural practices contributes to the production of exceptional fruit with complex flavours and great aging potential. The Armagh Shiraz has become one of Australia’s most celebrated wines, known for its rich texture, deep fruit concentration, and remarkable longevity.
Tasting Notes
Nose
Blueberry, Redcurrant, Sage, Violets
Vibrant aromas of blueberry, redcurrant, and purple fruits, intertwined with herbal notes of sage, violets, and a touch of Kalamata olive tapenade. The bouquet is rich and layered, promising complexity and depth.
Palate
Dark Fruit, Cranberry, Blackberries, Orange Oil
Powerful and expansive, with deep, dark pastille fruit—blueberry and blackberry—staining the tongue. Fine, sandy tannins bring focus to the wine, while a touch of mulberry acidity propels the wine toward a long and vibrant finish.
Finish
Herbal Freshness, Clove, Star Anise, Long & Expansive
Long, complex, and driven by fine acidity, with waves of bright, fresh red and purple fruits. The wine's freshness is lifted by a bouquet of thyme, sage, and mountain herbs, while clove and star anise spice add a background complexity. The wine’s balance of power and finesse ensures a finish that lingers and evolves.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Clare Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%
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