Jim Barry The Armagh Shiraz 2013

The late Jim Barry was a pioneer of Australian table wine, graduating with the 17th diploma in winemaking in Australia. He went on to become the first qualified winemaker to work in the Clare Valley of South Australia and with his wife, Nancy, built a successful wine business, which has produced trophy-winning wines since its establishment in 1959. Today, the custodian of Jim Barry Wines is their second son Peter, who joined the family winery in 1977 and now works along side his own sons, 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.

This wine has an immensely concentrated, inky, claret colour. It demonstrates vanilla and spice notes from quality oak. This is complemented with elements of aniseed and rich dark fruits including blackberry and cherry. The palate is brooding with latent power, which is balanced by the vibrant fruit and fine grained tannins in the mouth. The length of flavour and power in this wine, whilst still showing finesse and restraint, is what sets it at the zenith of red winemaking at Jim Barry Wines. Drink now to 2040.

A powerhouse release. It rips, it churns, it impresses and most all: it gets on with business. Dense black berried fruits of various persuasions, coffee-cream oak, sprinkles of dried herbs and a surge of flavour and tannin to close. It's like admiring a big sea; the power complete with the glory. - James Halliday, Wine Companion, 96 Points

The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Country - Australia
Region - Clare Valley, South Australia
Vintage - 2013
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.1%