Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz 2008

Jim Barry Wines is a multi-generational, family owned winery in the Clare Valley of South Australia. The winery was founded in 1959 by the late Jim Barry and his wife Nancy. Jim Barry, was a pioneer of the Australian wine industry. Graduating from Roseworthy College with the 17th diploma in Oenology, he became the first qualified winemaker in Clare. Today the company is owned and managed by Jim’s son Peter and grandsons, Tom and Sam.

The name of ‘Armagh’ was bestowed by the original Irish settlers who arrived in 1849 and named the lush, rolling hills after their homeland. In 1968 the vineyard was planted by Jim Barry and yields less than two tonnes per acre. The soil is sandy gravel and receives an average rainfall of 600mm per year. The vineyard lies on a north-west facing slope which acts as a natural sun trap, ensuring the fruit is always fully ripened when picked.

Deep crimson-purple; the bouquet is seductively complex, multi-fruit, spice and oak aromas playing tag with each other; the full-bodied palate continues the game, with lush black fruits and fine, savoury tannins in perfect balance, oak and alcohol seamlessly woven into the core of wine. The cork is good and well-inserted, but will prejudice the wine post 2030. - James Halliday, Wine Companion, February 2011, 96 points

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Clare Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2008
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.9%